India is aimed at intelligence-backed "targeted kills" against terrorists in J&K while militarily is dominating in the Line of Control with Pakistan, which has forced a 30% drop in cross-border ceasefire violations as well as infiltration bids. "The situation is pretty much under control. Our proactive attitude is to identify terrorists and then effectively neutralise them. Every case is handled firmly with clear-cut intelligence for targeted killings, ensuring minimal, if any, collateral damage," defense minister Manohar Parrikar said. He clarified that "terrorists should be neutralised by terrorists" or "kante se kanta nikalna (remove a thorn with a thorn)" and he did not mean covert operations being undertaken by "our own people".

"Many terrorists are drawn into terrorism because of financial allurements, they are paid money for it. If such people are there, why not use them? What is the harm is using terrorists against terrorists? Why should our soldiers be in the front?", he said. The Army has been asked to undertake surgical strikes against terrorists, rather than conducting random operations. The Army has neutralised 110 terrorists in 2014, the highest such tally in the last four years.

While talking about Pakistan’s dubious attitude, the defense minister said "the situation actually depends on how we react to it", India's "very firm" response to cross-border firing and abetment to terrorism is paying dividends. As per defense ministry figures, there has been a decline of 32% in Pakistan-initiated ceasefire violations and a decrease of 28% in "successful infiltrations" since the Modi government came to office in May last year.

After the takeover of the new government, Pakistan is very much concerned about the retaliation it may get if they try any misadventure. During cease fire violations the India Army gave a befitting reply and the Pakistan Army was forced to wave white flags. Pakistan Army, which has the history of losing the wars waged against India and hence they use terrorists and wage proxy war against India. India’s retaliation and the excellent capability to initiate surgical strikes against the Pakistan sponsored terrorist have resulted in the total failure of Pakistan’s treacherous activity.

By Premji