Sir — An unseemly domestic battle has broken out over the surgical strikes conducted by India on the terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders have mischievously asked for proof to convince Pakistan about the strike. According to some of our own leaders, we are hallucinating as the Pakistanis are in a complete state of denial.
That said, very few in India doubt the Army’s version about the surgical strikes. If the videos were to be released to gain maximum effect, that moment has passed. Any attempt to upload digital recordings of the surgical strikes will make the mending of fences more difficult; sceptics will anyway remain unconvinced about its genuineness.
On the other hand, it may not be a good idea to rub Pakistan’s nose in the dust or make its Army lose face by releasing the raid videos. Pakistan is neither a failing state nor a helpless, isolated nation at the mercy of others. Its Government may feel compelled to respond with another misadventure. It is doubtful if an escalation will benefit anyone.