Terror on the road

Context:

• Recent terror attack in the Rajouri-Poonch Sector, J&K, resulted in the death of 5 soldiers and raised questions about the management of patrols in sensitive locations.
• The attack has reignited memories of the 2019 Pulwama attack and highlights the continued threat of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan.

Current Kashmir Strategy:

• India’s strategy in Kashmir includes a freeze on talks with Pakistan.
• The government decided to end the region’s semi-autonomous status on August 5, 2019, which has led to rising violence in the region over the past three years.

Questions About Strategy:

• The recent attack raises questions about India’s strategy in Kashmir, including the current freeze on talks with Pakistan.
• Claims made by the former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik have brought to the fore fresh questions about the intent behind the political class while approaching the issue of terrorism in the country.

Attitude Towards Pakistan:

• India’s attitude towards Pakistan has been tense due to the continued threat of cross-border terrorism.
• Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s attendance at an upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Goa has raised the possibility of fresh India-Pakistan engagement.

Conclusion:

• It may be time for India to review its strategy in Kashmir, including its freeze on talks with Pakistan, to better address the continued threat of cross-border terrorism.