Is trivialisation of surgical strikes justified?

In September 2016, Modi government announced that Indian Army has carried out surgical strikes against the terror camps abutting the LoC in the PoK region. Soon, Army confirmed the announcement declaring that a team of meticulously trained men successfully launched attacks and returned safely without any loss of limb or life. In unequivocal terms hailed the operation as one of its kind carried out by Indian Army. Indians celebrated India Army's victory and reposed great faith in the noble institution.

Losing no time, Pakistan government denied Indian claims and giving boost to Islamabad's charges, Opposition questioned the veracity of the strikes and even demanded proof. Soon cynics joined the brigade. Congress party contested the strikes and argued that such strikes were conducted during their regime. But they didn't announce them. Enthusiastic RTI activists soon sought the details of previous operations if any. To their surprise there were none.

Reluctant to release any video as proof government simply quashed opposition's doubts and took immense pride in the strikes carried across the border. Despite pressure from opposition, government refused to share any proof of strikes. With elections around the corner, as a tough message to neighbouring Pakistan and token of its commitment to national security, BJP declared this operation as its achievement like the Indian Congress which revelled in the success of 1971 Bangladesh war. 

But yesterday both Republic and Times Now released eight-minute long video of the strikes, a day after Saifuddin Soz, Pro-Pakistani Congress leader who batted for independence of Kashmir released a book and termed the strikes as farzical (false). Adding weight to these allegations, disgruntled former BJP cabinet Minister Arun Shourie questioned the veracity of strikes. But after the video was out, instead of issuing an apology to Indian Army, Congress Party gave ugly-twist to the whole issue. It changed the narrative, launched a scathing attack on BJP party for using Indian Army's courage and valour for its political gains and levelled baseless allegations. It raised the issue of OROP, insufficient ammunition reserves, wearing equipment, GST on goods sold in Army canteen and several other issues. While it has smartly deflected topic, the vacuous arguments, baseless allegations reeks of sheer political opportunism. In his anxiety to prove Congress as holier than thou, Congress spokesperson Surjewala, exonerated the party of its decade long indecisiveness and corruption that irreversibly dented the defence preparedness of the forces. 

But how can Indians and defence personnel ever forget the blistering attack of Khoon ki dalali and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal despicable argument of seeking authentic proof of strike and similar disgusting remarks from other opposition heavy weights. These uncharitable rants and unpalatable remarks over strikes besides exposing the deep rifts within the Indian political dispensation devitalises the morale of Indian Army. While criticism and trading of charges are part and parcel of a vibrant multi-party democracy, issues of national security which are inviolable and these issues should be kept beyond the purview of pernicious political mudslinging. Clearly, the opposition blinded by pathetic hatred towards Modi is now plumbing new lows by trivialising issues of national security.

@ Copyrights reserved.