In response to a recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the military ‘operational freedom,’ hinting at India’s willingness to combat terrorism head-on.
Modi, during a closed door high-level security meeting with military and intelligence top brass, reportedly pledged ‘to deal a crushing blow to terrorism’ as part of the country’s new endeavor to step up its counter-terrorism policies, as per a government source quoted by AFP. The covert meeting sought to discuss the strategies of India’s next moves concerning rising tensions with Pakistan, which India accuses of providing refuge to the attackers.
The attack in the Kashmir region is one of India’s deadliest in recent years, straining the decades-long conflict between the two nuclear countries. Although Pakistan is denying accusations, India’s leadership is keen on Meting Out Justice that can help strengthen control domestically and shift the public narrative without repercussions elsewhere.
With the increase of full tactical autonomy given to armed forces, Modi not only delivers power to military heads alongside domestic supporters but shifts the narrative for foreign audiences as well, showcasing that India will remain proactive against terror threats head-on.
This shows another example of Modi’s aggressive national security policy which was previously observed after the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing, both of which provoked cross border military responses.
As the world observes with bated breath, the area remains on high alert, caught somewhere between de-escalation hopes and intense national security concerns.