Tactical Strikes Proven to Maintain Balance against Pakistan, as per Syed Ata Hasnain.
On Wednesday, the 7th of May, India undertook a unprecedented military action, a technical strike, within its borders, involving all three branches of the armed forces, in response to the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam. This action was widely anticipated, and the government's decisions, discussed in the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting on April 23, had been seen as a window of opportunity for the armed forces to prepare and strike.
The strikes were carefully planned and executed, with deception playing a crucial role in the execution. The civil defense measures ongoing during the fortnight prior to the operation further boosted its effectiveness. The name chosen for the operation, "Operation Sindoor," carries significant symbolism. It represents revenge and retribution for the violent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which targeted innocent Hindu women by killing their husbands in a religious profiling incident. In Hindu culture, sindoor is a symbol of marital status, and its removal signifies widowhood.
The precision of the strikes was remarkable, considering the locations, Muridke and Bahawalpur, were within built-up areas, posing a high risk of civilian casualties. Advanced technology was employed to ensure precision and avoid collateral damage. Nine locations were targeted both in PoJK and in Punjab, reflecting the Intelligence Bureau's preliminary findings indicating the involvement of the Pakistan Army, the ISI, and the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba.
The locations in PoJK were strategically chosen to allow potential strikes without the necessity of an immediate provocation. The element of surprise, if future attacks occur without the trigger of a specific act, such as the Pahalgam attack, could increase the impact of such strikes.
The damage assessment will reveal many insights. However, the action itself was more significant than the effect. The ability to repeat this type of strike at any time when there is suspicion of an impending terrorist action sets a meaningful precedent. Importantly, no Pakistani military facility or establishment was targeted, making the likelihood of an immediate response and escalation less likely.
Pakistan responded with a wave of disinformation, as its Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) wing struggles to manage the public's perception of the effective precision strikes. Pakistan has escalated the tension at the Line of Control in both Kashmir and Jammu sectors, with regular small arms and artillery fire leading to civilian casualties. Furthermore, the possibility of another subconventional action in J&K within the following days cannot be ruled out.
To counter Pakistan's actions, India should focus on generating international opinion against Pakistan as a sponsor of terrorism. A sustained diplomatic effort should be directed towards the World Bank's Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and influential Middle Eastern countries with whom India has a stronger relationship. This diplomatic strategy aims to deter Pakistan's state sponsorship of terrorism and isolate it internationally. The military response is only a short-term measure, but the long-term diplomatic impact will be crucial in countering terrorism and ensuring India's safety.
The retired Lieutenant-General and former GOC of the Srinagar-based 15 ("Chinar") Corps wrote this analysis.
(Based on Enrichment Data information about historical Indian military operations, focusing on the strategic and diplomatic implications of Operation Sindoor.)
- As the dust settles on Operation Sindoor, discussions are now shifting towards policy-and-legislation regarding war-and-conflicts, with the focus being on creating stricter regulations against crime-and-justice related to terrorism and enhancing the role of sports-betting in generating revenue for defense forces.
- General news headlines now include politics and diplomacy discussions, as India shares its strategic move with international allies, seeking support for policy-and-legislation aiming to counter Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism through The World Bank's Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and influential Middle Eastern countries.
- In sports sections, analysts compare India's swift and calculated military response to an unpredictable football strategy, recognizing the element of surprise involved in both operations – Operation Sindoor and football's "ghost goal" tactics used during crucial matches.
