&nbsp;

Reports are pouring in of the Indian force destroying two Pakistani posts in retaliation for the killing of its jawan in unprovoked firing. The BSF spokesperson said that two Pakistani mortar positions were &quot;located, targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers yesterday night only. The coordinated precision fire of BSF troopers silenced Pakistani guns.&quot;&nbsp;

Prior to this, only weeks ago, Indian security forces in retaliatory action against Pakistan, killed three Pakistani soldiers across the LoC and injured one as per media reports. The backdrop of this action was unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC on Saturday, wherein three jawans and one Major of India were martyred. It is obvious that to avoid embarrassment to the Pakistani Army, Pakistan would avoid commenting that the Indian soldiers crossed the LoC.

The ceasefire violations by Pakistan and retaliatory actions by India has been a common feature ever since the truce between both the neighbours along the International Border (IB), Line of Control and the Actual Ground Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir came into force in November 2003.&nbsp;

The violations are mainly concentrated in Jammu and Kashmir which accounts for 221 km of the IB and 740 km of the LoC. The pattern of these violations has some serious strategic indicators.&nbsp;

Earlier, Pakistan used to start the firing along LoC to help the militants to infiltrate, which used to be responded appropriately by Indians. After innocent civilians suffered many casualties, they started preparing bunkers or redesigning their houses to minimise casualties along LoC, and the Indian security forces helped them to do so. Once Pakistanis realised the effect of firing across the LoC, they started firing along IB also, as the Indian population there was less used to firing in that area, the chances of getting casualties of innocent civilians were, therefore, higher.&nbsp;

Pakistan opts to target civilians to achieve greater impact because of sensitivities involved, and blames India to have started the firing first. It knows well that India will respond and the damages done due to response can be highlighted to the world. It will help to claim the status of a helpless country deterred by India, as Pakistan Prime Minister Abbasi, in New York, called India as &ldquo;Existential threat&rdquo;. Indians are not involved in a proxy war, hence, it cannot have any interest to start any cross-border firing. This pattern is continuing for many years now.

Having exhausted all kinds of peace initiatives in past, India tried some innovative ideas to send stronger messages to Pakistan. India decided and carried out surgical strikes on terrorist camps, well inside the Pakistani territory, to stop terrorist activities and proxy war. This was a daring act, which was required, but it has certain implications.&nbsp;

No defence analyst would expect that militancy will end by one such action, hence some militant attacks even after the surgical strikes were expected. It was, therefore, understandable that some more actions like this will be required at various intervals, whenever Pakistan hikes up its militant activities. The action of Indian Security Forces on Monday night needs to be read in that context.

In 2017, over 200 militants have been killed in Kashmir, which is an unprecedented number, indicating Pakistan that their proxy war may not work due to the synergised action of all Indian security forces, NIA, and the government agencies. The only option left for Pakistani Army now is to increase cross-border firing in softer areas (449 in 2016 to 881 in 2017), and increase Border Action Team ( BAT) actions along with militants to cause casualties to security forces and innocent civilians.&nbsp;

In future Indian security forces, as well as, civil population along IB/LoC have to be even more careful to beat Pakistan&rsquo;s design of proxy war and cross-border firing. India will have to be ready for all eventualities within its own comprehensive national power.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

In 2017, over 200 militants have been killed in Kashmir, which is an unprecedented number, indicating Pakistan that their proxy war may not work due to the synergised action of all Indian security forces, NIA, and the government agencies.

Reports are pouring in of the Indian force destroying two Pakistani posts in retaliation for the killing of its jawan in unprovoked firing. The BSF spokesperson said that two Pakistani mortar positions were "located, targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers yesterday night only. The coordinated precision fire of BSF troopers silenced Pakistani guns." Prior to this, only weeks ago, Indian security forces in retaliatory action against Pakistan, killed three Pakistani soldiers across the LoC and injured one as per media reports. The backdrop of this action was unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC on Saturday, wherein three jawans and one Major of India were martyred. It is obvious that to avoid embarrassment to the Pakistani Army, Pakistan would avoid commenting that the Indian soldiers crossed the LoC. The ceasefire violations by Pakistan and retaliatory actions by India has been a common feature ever since the truce between both the neighbours along the International Border (IB), Line of Control and the Actual Ground Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir came into force in November 2003. The violations are mainly concentrated in Jammu and Kashmir which accounts for 221 km of the IB and 740 km of the LoC. The pattern of these violations has some serious strategic indicators. Earlier, Pakistan used to start the firing along LoC to help the militants to infiltrate, which used to be responded appropriately by Indians. After innocent civilians suffered many casualties, they started preparing bunkers or redesigning their houses to minimise casualties along LoC, and the Indian security forces helped them to do so. Once Pakistanis realised the effect of firing across the LoC, they started firing along IB also, as the Indian population there was less used to firing in that area, the chances of getting casualties of innocent civilians were, therefore, higher. Pakistan opts to target civilians to achieve greater impact because of sensitivities involved, and blames India to have started the firing first. It knows well that India will respond and the damages done due to response can be highlighted to the world. It will help to claim the status of a helpless country deterred by India, as Pakistan Prime Minister Abbasi, in New York, called India as “Existential threat”. Indians are not involved in a proxy war, hence, it cannot have any interest to start any cross-border firing. This pattern is continuing for many years now. Having exhausted all kinds of peace initiatives in past, India tried some innovative ideas to send stronger messages to Pakistan. India decided and carried out surgical strikes on terrorist camps, well inside the Pakistani territory, to stop terrorist activities and proxy war. This was a daring act, which was required, but it has certain implications. No defence analyst would expect that militancy will end by one such action, hence some militant attacks even after the surgical strikes were expected. It was, therefore, understandable that some more actions like this will be required at various intervals, whenever Pakistan hikes up its militant activities. The action of Indian Security Forces on Monday night needs to be read in that context. In 2017, over 200 militants have been killed in Kashmir, which is an unprecedented number, indicating Pakistan that their proxy war may not work due to the synergised action of all Indian security forces, NIA, and the government agencies. The only option left for Pakistani Army now is to increase cross-border firing in softer areas (449 in 2016 to 881 in 2017), and increase Border Action Team ( BAT) actions along with militants to cause casualties to security forces and innocent civilians. In future Indian security forces, as well as, civil population along IB/LoC have to be even more careful to beat Pakistan’s design of proxy war and cross-border firing. India will have to be ready for all eventualities within its own comprehensive national power. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: India's tough strike against Pakistan continues

On December of this year, India was shocked at the audacity of the Pakistani Army; a team crossed over the LoC and carried on an ambush on an Indian Army&rsquo;s patrol, operating in the Keri sector of the 120 Infantry Brigade. They had used landmines and small arms, killing one Major along with four soldiers. These gallant troops came from India&rsquo;s finest regiment and were part of 2 Sikh.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Within 48 hours of this horrific incident, soldiers of the Indian Army crossed the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Rawalkot sector, killing at least four Pakistani personnel on Monday. The cross-LoC raid was meant to avenge the death of four Indian soldiers by Pakistani troops earlier this week. Indian troops penetrated 500 meters across the Line of Control and the modus operandi used was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) ambush followed by gunfire. Literally replicating the earlier Pakistani action.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Line of Control has been witnessing such actions and counter-actions quiet regularly ever since General Kayani started to violate the cease-fire in 2010 that had come into force in 2003 during the regimes of General Musharraf and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It must be remembered that this cease-fire came into force only when Pakistan realised that it was untenable for her to continue retaliation to Indian Army&rsquo;s artillery duels. Indian army had fired 2.5 lakh shells during the 50-day Kargil conflict and later in the years in the run-up to the cease-fire, we had fired nearly one lakh artillery round against Pakistan. Each round costs around US $ 1000.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan was forced to retaliate in a good measure too. Though we had our share of losses, both material and human, but the losses suffered by Pakistan was colossal. India could inflict huge damage on Pakistan&rsquo;s military infrastructure along with unbearable economic drain. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the crucial time between 2003 to 2010, Pakistanis rebuild their infrastructure and beefed up the ammunition stocks. Now they were ready to meet the Indian army&rsquo;s challenge. While for the Indian Army, the victory was always measured in terms of attaining a moral ascendancy. However, for Pakistani army the victory lies in the ability to rise after each setback and challenge the Indian might.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This is what Pakistan has been doing ever since they got created in the name of religion. They draw inspiration from the battles Mohammad fought with Meccans. Wherein he had challenged the bigger adversary with a far smaller force and, finally, led his troops to victory after suffering many defeats.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

For India, it is very much essential to understand the psychology of its adversary. And to counter that, we will have to keep the temperatures high on the border while retaining the initiative. Defensive mindset needs to be shed and more pragmatic approach is the need of an hour. While we may wade through easily being a stronger economy and military power but for Pakistan, it would be untenable as has been seen in the past.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On the escalatory matrix, we are fighting with our adversary at the lowest level in No War No Peace spectrum of low intensity. We both have similar strengths at this level. In fact, Pakistan fares better as it always takes an initiative while we always react. India must tackle Pakistan at levels where we are more stronger. And our strength lies in long-range,&nbsp; high-tech weaponry and highly trained military. Or else we would continue to bleed under the status quo in this simmering conflict.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

India's strength lies in long-range, high-tech weaponry and highly trained military. This is where India must beat Pakistan

On December of this year, India was shocked at the audacity of the Pakistani Army; a team crossed over the LoC and carried on an ambush on an Indian Army’s patrol, operating in the Keri sector of the 120 Infantry Brigade. They had used landmines and small arms, killing one Major along with four soldiers. These gallant troops came from India’s finest regiment and were part of 2 Sikh. Within 48 hours of this horrific incident, soldiers of the Indian Army crossed the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Rawalkot sector, killing at least four Pakistani personnel on Monday. The cross-LoC raid was meant to avenge the death of four Indian soldiers by Pakistani troops earlier this week. Indian troops penetrated 500 meters across the Line of Control and the modus operandi used was an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) ambush followed by gunfire. Literally replicating the earlier Pakistani action. The Line of Control has been witnessing such actions and counter-actions quiet regularly ever since General Kayani started to violate the cease-fire in 2010 that had come into force in 2003 during the regimes of General Musharraf and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It must be remembered that this cease-fire came into force only when Pakistan realised that it was untenable for her to continue retaliation to Indian Army’s artillery duels. Indian army had fired 2.5 lakh shells during the 50-day Kargil conflict and later in the years in the run-up to the cease-fire, we had fired nearly one lakh artillery round against Pakistan. Each round costs around US $ 1000. Pakistan was forced to retaliate in a good measure too. Though we had our share of losses, both material and human, but the losses suffered by Pakistan was colossal. India could inflict huge damage on Pakistan’s military infrastructure along with unbearable economic drain. In the crucial time between 2003 to 2010, Pakistanis rebuild their infrastructure and beefed up the ammunition stocks. Now they were ready to meet the Indian army’s challenge. While for the Indian Army, the victory was always measured in terms of attaining a moral ascendancy. However, for Pakistani army the victory lies in the ability to rise after each setback and challenge the Indian might. This is what Pakistan has been doing ever since they got created in the name of religion. They draw inspiration from the battles Mohammad fought with Meccans. Wherein he had challenged the bigger adversary with a far smaller force and, finally, led his troops to victory after suffering many defeats. For India, it is very much essential to understand the psychology of its adversary. And to counter that, we will have to keep the temperatures high on the border while retaining the initiative. Defensive mindset needs to be shed and more pragmatic approach is the need of an hour. While we may wade through easily being a stronger economy and military power but for Pakistan, it would be untenable as has been seen in the past. On the escalatory matrix, we are fighting with our adversary at the lowest level in No War No Peace spectrum of low intensity. We both have similar strengths at this level. In fact, Pakistan fares better as it always takes an initiative while we always react. India must tackle Pakistan at levels where we are more stronger. And our strength lies in long-range, high-tech weaponry and highly trained military. Or else we would continue to bleed under the status quo in this simmering conflict. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why India and Pakistan violate the LoC repeatedly?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lalu-prasad-found-guilty-in-fodder-scam-case-27532">Lalu Prasad found guilty in fodder scam case, taken into custody</a>

Former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav was on Saturday convicted by a special CBI court in the 1996 fodder scam case along with 14 others co-accused in the case. Lalu Prasad Yadav was taken into custody immediately after the verdict and sent to a jail in Ranchi. Former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra, who was also a co-accused, has been acquitted along with seven others.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-3-soldiers-killed-in-pakistan-ceasefire-violation-in-keri-27540">J&amp;K: 3 soldiers killed in Pakistan ceasefire violation in Keri</a>

At least three Indian soldiers, including a senior officer, were on Saturday killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan at the Keri (120 Infantry Brigade) Battalion area of Jammu and Kashmir. A soldier has also been injured in the firing and is undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bus-falls-into-river-in-rajasthan-at-least-12-dead-several-injured-27509">Bus falls into river in Rajasthan, death toll rises to 32</a>

At least 32 people have died and several injured after a bus fell into the Banas river in Rajasthan&#39;s Sawai Madhopur area,&nbsp;District Magistrate KC Varma said. All injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The incident occurred in Swai Madhopur&#39;s Dubi area.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhopal-gang-rape-four-accused-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-27530">Bhopal gang-rape: Four accused sentenced to life imprisonment</a>

The four men accused of raping a 19-year-old woman in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhopal-rape-case-4-police-officials-suspended-superintendent-of-police-transferred-23460">Bhopal&nbsp;</a>in October were sentenced to life imprisonment by a fast track court on Saturday.&nbsp;The additional district and session judge&nbsp;Savita Dube reportedly gave the verdict.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-fire-at-metro-hospital-patients-evacuated-27534">Delhi: Fire at Metro Hospital, minor injuries to patients</a>

A fire broke out at New Delhi&#39;s Metro Hospital and Cancer Institute in Preet Vihar on Saturday afternoon but was brought under control by evening. A few patients suffered minor injuries.&nbsp;Around 84 patients were evacuated.&nbsp;A senior police official said that the fire started&nbsp;in an air conditioning vent and then spread to other floors.

Here are the top developments this evening

Lalu Prasad found guilty in fodder scam case, taken into custody Former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav was on Saturday convicted by a special CBI court in the 1996 fodder scam case along with 14 others co-accused in the case. Lalu Prasad Yadav was taken into custody immediately after the verdict and sent to a jail in Ranchi. Former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra, who was also a co-accused, has been acquitted along with seven others. J&K: 3 soldiers killed in Pakistan ceasefire violation in Keri At least three Indian soldiers, including a senior officer, were on Saturday killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan at the Keri (120 Infantry Brigade) Battalion area of Jammu and Kashmir. A soldier has also been injured in the firing and is undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. Bus falls into river in Rajasthan, death toll rises to 32 At least 32 people have died and several injured after a bus fell into the Banas river in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur area, District Magistrate KC Varma said. All injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The incident occurred in Swai Madhopur's Dubi area. Bhopal gang-rape: Four accused sentenced to life imprisonment The four men accused of raping a 19-year-old woman in Bhopal in October were sentenced to life imprisonment by a fast track court on Saturday. The additional district and session judge Savita Dube reportedly gave the verdict. Delhi: Fire at Metro Hospital, minor injuries to patients A fire broke out at New Delhi's Metro Hospital and Cancer Institute in Preet Vihar on Saturday afternoon but was brought under control by evening. A few patients suffered minor injuries. Around 84 patients were evacuated. A senior police official said that the fire started in an air conditioning vent and then spread to other floors.

WION evening news brief, December 23, 2017

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