Terror attack in Jammu: Status quo in India-Pakistan relations stands established

New Delhi [India], Nov.29 (ANI): As Pakistan oversaw a change of army Chiefs, two terror attacks in the Jammu region, at Nagrota and Chamliyal, have sent out a clear signal that there is no change in the policy towards India.

Even as an elaborate ceremony was held in Pakistan when the chief's baton changes hands, the Defence Minister of Pakistan Khawaja Asif has gone on record to say that the focus of the country will remain on its eastern border with India.

"The military policy will continue and there will be no immediate change in it (under Bajwa),"Asif is reported to have said in a conversation with Geo News recently.

The twin terrors attacks in the Jammu region and instances of cross border engagement with the Border Security Force (BSF) are on ground indicators of the policy to be followed by Pakistan so far as India is concerned.

The situation merits a rethink on whether Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was a lame duck in the face of anti-India belligerence being exhibited by his army chief, or, was it a clever ploy to continue with a abrasive and violent policy toward India while keeping international pressure at bay.

Under the circumstances, Government of Pakistan and its political leadership can be seen as part of the "establishment and deep state" and not out of it.

The exact modus operandi of the terrorists involved in the strike will be known in the next few days. It can, however, be surmised that the attack was carried out by a sleeper cell that has been in the vicinity of the target for quite some time since it would be difficult for a newly infiltrated group to reach Nagrota, which is a good distance from the International Border, and strike an army unit located there.

It becomes apparent thereby that the establishment in Pakistan has given a deep thought to the timing and the intensity of the attacks and there lies an indication of the planning that goes on behind such incidents which the Government of Pakistan wishes to pass off as the handiwork of local elements. It is not by chance that things fall in place with such precision.

This twin strike could not have taken place without putting Army Chief-designate Gen. Bajwa in the loop. He also has to demonstrate to his troops and to the militant groups that he is made of as strong stuff as his predecessor.

Considering the high level of fundamentalism that has seeped into the Pakistan Army, he has no option but to toe the line for ensuring his own survival. Hence, he would have given his approval and set the ball rolling by taking this first policy decision of his tenure.