Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 3: Ever since Pakistan-sponsored terrorism gripped the state of Jammu and Kashmir, it has left behind a trail of death and destruction. According to one estimate, "more than 44,000 lives have been lost in incidents of secessionist violence. Whosoever occupied the seat of power in Pakistan, elected representative or a military ruler there was no change in their Kashmir policy.
Despite making tall statements while resuming office and making commitments during summit level meetings almost all the rulers in Pakistan failed to prevent the use of their own territory by militant commanders who launched trained terrorists inside the Indian territories from different launching pads after imparting them commando training inside 'terror' factories. Now as Pakistan is witnessing the emergence of cricketer Imran Khan on the horizon can the so-called peaceniks in India expect a change of heart in the Pakistani political establishment in Islamabad and military establishment at Rawalpindi leading to peace in the region. It is too e rly to predict the outcome as Imran Khan is yet to start his innings on a bouncy track.
An all-rounder in Imran Khan cannot afford to be defensive in the beginning and if he chooses to come on the front foot he will have to duck many bouncers to be able to stay on the pitch for long innings.
As a cricketer he earned a lot of respect and piloted many victories for his team but after becoming Prime Minister of a rogue country, which has already earned for itself the title f "epi-centre of terror organizations" Imran Khan will have to do a tight rope walking to stay in power and balance the aspirations of people of his country and the military establishment.
To restore peace and order "more than 6400 security personnel belonging to different organizations, including Indian army, IAF, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and the jawans of state police have sacrificed their lives". Besides, more than "14,500 civilians" have fallen victims, while "over 23,000 militants" have been eliminated so far in this ongoing proxy war - proxy war unleashed by Pakistan in 1987. |
