First Burhan Wani, now Abu Dujana. More must follow in the war against terrorism
Abu Dujana's killing by Indian security forces in Kashmir is a major blow to militant outfits in the valley. Dujana was a resident of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the lashkar-e-Tayyeba's chief in the region. His elimination is in keeping with the Union Government's approach of ruthlessness against terrorists. The Modi regime's determination has strengthened the hands of the Indian forces which have launched an all-out offensive against militants in Jammu & Kashmir, regardless of the outbreak of engineered protests in parts of the State against the move and obstacles placed by vested elements who seek to obstruct anti-terror operations by using stone-pelters. More than 85 of the 117 terrorists eliminated in Kashmir valley so far this year came from Pakistan or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Government, the security agencies and our Armed Forces must keep up the momentum and target more high-profile names. It was ironical to see images of women protestors on the streets of Kashmir following Dujana's neutralisation, because the leT terrorist was known to be a womaniser, and his amorous affairs had reportedly led to several innocent women and their families into the trap of terrorism. His elimination had been sought for long. He had been eluding the security forces for quite a while now through various disguises, but the agencies had been keeping track and they finally nabbed him when he had gone to visit his ‘wife'. According to reports, Dujana had begun to talk less of freedom for Kashmir and more about the establishment of Islamic rule in Kashmir — a caliphate. He was not the only one; recent media findings have shown that the pitch of Islamic rule has been gaining ground, and it completely demolishes the argument that the unrest in the valley is about greater political autonomy or even ‘freedom'. This ought to have become evident in the late 1989-early 1990s when the Kashmiri Pandits were targeted. It wasn't so much about a political solution then; it isn't so much about a political solution now. While the Government is open to talks, there cannot be any dialogue with Pakistan-controlled separatists.
It can be argued that, while it is fine to eliminate terrorists coming from Pakistan, the real problem lies with Pakistan itself. Its Army will not allow for any normalisation of relations with India, nor will it cease to train and infiltrate militants to spread mayhem in India. New Delhi should be looking to hit Pakistan where it hurts most. On the diplomatic front at least, India has had success. There is no responsible nation in the world barring China which does not distrust Pakistan. Even the United States, which had elevated Pakistan to the level of the ‘most important non-Nato ally', is having second thoughts. The Trump Administration has held back financial assistance to Pakistan, sending a strong message that it will not be business as usual. Besides, strategic affairs expert lisa Curtis's appointment to the US National Security Council, signals Washington, DC’s resolve in this direction. Curtis has always maintained that aid to Pakistan must be subject to its action on the ground against terrorist outfits.