Editorial 1 : Tackling Terror, the India Way
Context: Terrorism in Kashmir and India-Pak conflict; 50 years of Vietnam War
Comparative Analysis of Conflict Strategies
- US in Vietnam vs. India in Kashmir
- US Failures
- Reliance on brute force (e.g. Agent Orange, napalm) instead of nuanced strategies.
- US ignored the Marine Manual’s emphasis on minimizing force and prioritizing socio-political development.
- India’s Approach
- India adopted Governance by Stealth, focusing on minimal force and institutional resilience.
- Emphasized public order and legitimacy through democratic processes.
- Pakistan’s Proxy War Tactics
- Pakistan uses terrorism to destabilize democracy in India, the latest tourist murders in Pahalgam is an example.
- It relies on outdated ideologies (e.g. two-nation theory) and ignores India’s growing economic and military strength.
India’s Three-Pillar Security Strategy in Kashmir
- Specialization
- Targeted Security Responses
- Creation of specialized units: Rashtriya Rifles (1990), J&K Police Special Operations Groups (1993), and CRPF (1995).
- Shift from blunt force to intelligence-driven operations.
- Institutional Upgrades: National Investigation Agency (NIA) replacing CBI to combat terror financing.
- Moderation
- Minimizing Civilian Harm: Highlighted terrorist surrenders (1993 Hazratbal siege) and voter participation in 2024 elections as symbols of legitimacy.
- Strategic Restraint: Avoided excessive force to maintain public trust.
- Democracy
- Inclusive Governance
- There was an inherent pressure for elections even during Governor’s Rule.
- Integration of civil society, bureaucrats, and diplomats in decision-making.
- Political Resilience
- India tolerated soft separatists while isolating hardliners.
- Abrogation of Article 370 and push for statehood to integrate J&K with India.
Recent Developments and Implications
- Security Setbacks
- Pahalgam Tourist Murders: A tactical setback but framed as evidence of Pakistan’s desperation amid India’s long-term success.
- India’s Retaliation
- Cross-border strikes (e.g. surgical strikes 2016, Balakot 2019).
- Economic and diplomatic isolation of Pakistan.
- Strategic Successes
- Global Isolation of Radical Islam: Partnerships with moderate Gulf states (e.g. Saudi Arabia).
- Infrastructure Development: Railway connectivity and tourism revival in Kashmir.
- J&K Police as Local Face of Law: Reducing reliance on central forces.
Conclusion
- Lessons for Global Powers
- Proxy wars require institutional adaptability, restraint, and democratic legitimacy.
- India’s strategy contrasts with US or Pakistan failures by prioritizing human terrain over brute force.
- Veer Bhogya Vasundhara (The brave inherit the earth) emphasizes courage and sacrifice as foundations of peace.
- Indian strategy is driving Pakistan’s deep state to desperation, validating a mix of military, economic, and democratic tools.