At about 3:00 am on January 1, 2015, a bunch of terrorists invaded Indian territory. They attacked the air force base in Pathankot, Punjab. Three days since, the operation to nail down the terrorists is still underway. Seven soldiers were martyred, and the NSG confirms that five terrorists have been killed.
A number of facts are pointing at Pakistan’s involvement in the attack, the media is debating it, but the centre has chosen to keep silent till final assertions are made.
The Indian government has been updating the people with the status of the operation, condemning the attack, but a statement is yet to be made about what it is planning to do next.
Several commentators have questioned the significance of the security that was deployed before the attack took place. Where were they and what were they doing, asked Columnist Vir Sanghvi on CNN-IBN, to which Defence Expert Lt Gen Raj Kadyan said that there has been a mistake, but on whose part is yet to be speculated.
Leela Ponappa, Ex-Deputy NSA to CNN-IBNThis is a major attack on a front installation. It requires a comprehensive inquiry led by the government. The dialogue with Pakistan must continue, but there must be clarity as far as the relations are concerned. The government has spoken in several voices in the past 3 days.
Pakistan’s Role: Named, but Not Shamed
Reacting to questions pointing at Pakistan’s alleged involvement, a close aide of former Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf, Major General Rashid Qureshi said on Times Now that it is unfortunate that India is accusing Pakistan of attacking them at a time when both the nations are moving towards peace talks.
Ahmed Raza Kasuri, Pakistani Politician to Times NowModi visited Pakistan recently, but the hawkish element in India does not want peaceful talks between the two nations.
Tempers soared when the Pakistani politician said that such accusations were being made because the Indian army is not competent enough.
Noted Social Activist and Thinker, Seshadri Chari reacted saying,
As far as competence is concerned, you have attacked us with three wars and lost. The Pathankot attack only proved the extent of your cowardice. We are going to continue our talks at the political level, but we are going to inflict injury on Pakistan army. We will destroy this attitude of yours. If we don’t, then your attitude will destroy your own country.
The Talks Must Go On
Many panellists across news channels believe that the talks with Pakistan at the political level must continue.
Major General (retd) Ian Cardozo said on NDTV that the Pakistan army claimed that they did not assist any attack and that they have themselves been the victims of such terror attacks. He added that the two countries should be able to tackle the common enemy together.
Pakistani columnist Musharraf Zaidi to NDTVI really appreciate Indians wanting to continue talks despite certain elements. Everyone wants the foreign secretary talks to go on. The blame isn’t completely lacking in evidence.
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