For last many decades Jammu and Kashmir has been facing cross border terrorism. 860 incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops were reported in 2017 as against 221 in 2016. The well-equipped Indian Army has also adopted new strategies, effectively retaliated and even eliminated many terrorists and break down the infiltration attempts many a times. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti reminded Pakistan of its promise made to former prime minister AB Vajpayee to maintain peace along the borders.
Meanwhile, indicating that Indian Army will continue its policy of hot pursuit in dealing with cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat advocated for ‘politico-military approach’ for lasting peace in Kashmir. The Army chief said, “The political initiative and all the other initiatives must go simultaneously hand-in-hand and only if all of us function in synergy, we can bring lasting peace in Kashmir. It has to be a politico-military approach that we have to adopt.”
However, for lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan must ensure peace along the borders and must stop infiltration of militants. A lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir is possible only if the Pakistan government and its Army extend cooperation to end the bloodshed in the state. At the same time the Govt of India must take a bold political initiative to stop cross border terrorism and bring peace in Jammu and Kashmir.