IAS/UPSC Coaching Institute  

08 May 2025 : Strokes of justice

Editorial 2: ​Strokes of justice

Context

India must remain prepared for potential escalatory actions by Pakistan.

 

Introduction

India recently launched precision military strikes across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, targeting terrorist camps linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. This action, a response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, aims to disrupt cross-border terrorism. The strikes signify a shift in India’s strategy, emphasizing military, economic, and diplomatic responses to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

 

India’s Precision Military Strikes: Overview

  • Date and Targets:
    • India conducted precision military strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) early on Wednesday.
    • Key targets included:
      • Bahawalpur: Headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed.
      • Muridke: A nerve centre of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
  • Objective:
    • The strikes aimed to destroy terrorist training camps and deter further cross-border attacks.
    • The action followed the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, which killed 26 people.
  • Strike Nature:
    • India’s military described the strikes as:
      • Measured and non-escalatory.
      • Proportionate and responsible.

 

Comparison with Past Strikes

  • Previous Operations:
    • In 2019, India carried out surgical strikes in Balakot (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan) after the Pulwama attack.
  • Current Operation:
    • This time, India’s response has been sharper and more resolute.
  • Significance of Targets:
    • Muridke and Bahawalpur are located in Punjab, the heartland of Pakistan’s ruling elite, historically associated with terrorism.

 

India’s Response to Pakistan’s Terrorism

  • Pakistan’s Role:
    • Pakistan has long used terrorism as a low-cost instrument of war against India, with an umbrella of nuclear blackmail.
    • Pakistan has harboured key terrorists like Osama bin Laden, despite claims of being an ally in the war on terror.
  • India’s Military Strategy Shift:
    • Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has shown a shift towards overt military action in response to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
    • This approach signals that India may continue responding militarily, economically, and diplomatically in case of future terrorist attacks.
  • International Pressure on Pakistan: India has urged world powers to use their influence to coerce Pakistan into responsible behaviour.

 

Continued Investigation and Political Consensus

  • Ongoing Investigation:
    • The Pahalgam attack investigation must continue with full vigour and be pursued to its logical conclusion.
  • Political Consensus:
    • All political parties have supported the military operation.
    • The Centre must also focus on restraining elements that incite communal strife, as these actions could play into Pakistan’s hands.
  • Preparedness for Escalation:
    • India must remain vigilant for any escalatory moves by Pakistan and be prepared to respond both militarily and diplomatically.

 

Conclusion

India’s recent military strikes mark a decisive shift in its approach to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, signaling a stronger, overt response to cross-border attacks. While the strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure, long-term change in Pakistan’s behavior remains uncertain. Continued vigilance, international pressure on Pakistan, and a united domestic front are essential for preventing further escalation and ensuring lasting security.