Is Balakot Air Strike Being Politicised? Here’s What DU Thinks
From Pak’s role to politicisation of India’s air strikes, DU students speak out on Indo-Pak tensions.
Camera: Shiv Kumar Maurya
Over the last few days, defence veterans, politicians and journalists have aired their views over India’s air strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammad camp in Pakistan’s Balakot, which was followed by the Pakistani Air Force dropping bombs close to an Indian military camp near Rajouri, J&K.
But what do India’s youth think about the action and counter-action? The Quint’s chaupal reached Delhi University’s North Campus to find an answer to this question. Here’s what some of DU students think.
Jaish has claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack. But, how sound was India’s air strike at a JeM camp in Balakot, Pakistan?
“The terrorist attack was very unfortunate for the country. India’s retaliation was directed against terrorism. That was not a case of military aggression. If we keep aside military aggression and talk about terrorism such a retaliation was important. Because India has faced several terrorist attacks, like the 26/11 attacks (in Mumbai) and other bomb-blasts across the country so, this retaliation was crucial.”
- Suraj Kundu, Student.
Was India successful in striking the terror camp in Balakot, Pakistan?
“I think the Indian government has sent a warning to Pakistan, that we, too, can take action. This warning could deter attacks in the future. If India did not take a step to conduct air strikes, such terror attacks could have risen. I feel in challenging them (Pak), this strike will be quite effective & is in the right direction.”
-Kusum Toor, Law Student.
Was Pakistan’s counter-attack justified?
It was a cowardly attack by Pakistan. It has not only shown its true intent but also exposed its cowardice at the world stage. I condemn this attack.
- Abhishek Chaudhary, Law Student.
Is the entire incident being politicised?
A former CM from the BJP, has, instead of paying respects to the martyrs lost in Pulwama, tried to gain political mileage. He has said that his party will win 22 out of 28 Lok Sabha seats from Karnataka owing to this surgical strike 2.0. I feel that behind the surgical strike 2 or the IAF and Indian Army, is strong patriotism towards the nation.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)