Behind army's 'surgical strike'

Haoginlen Chongloi *

Map of indo-Myanmar border :: Pix - TSE

The recent offensive by Indian Special Forces against NSCN (K), KYKL and KCP militants in the wake of the killing of 18 Army personnel belonging to the 6thDogra Regiment inChandel district of Manipur sets an example of India's capability in striking out any foreign based-threats around its vicinity. Within a week since the incident which took place in the morning of June 4, the army managed to hold one of the toughest exercises in foreign soil, Myanmar, punishing the culprits involved in the crime.

The tough response in the form of "Surgical Strike" byIndian army against Myanmar-based militants waging war against the state is "a message to all countries that harbor any intention…", as told by Minister of state for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. However, the success of the operation as claimed by top officials of the country is not all convincing. The rhetorical nature of the concerned authorities on the mission has drawn sharp criticism from abroad and from the people whom they fight for.

Diplomatic Rows

India's good image build-up in the international arena is fast accelerating. Prime Minister NarendraModi isknown by many as a smarter politician than his predecessors in dealing with India's demands of the 21st century. Be it domestic or international, he is recognized as a game- changer in world politics. His mastery in the art of creating friendly environments around the world is appreciated. However, the recent incident of Indian army carrying out mission in foreign soil pose serious consequences to his partners in Asia who sees India a sober and sensitive partner.

The claim that it carried out 'Surgical strikes' inside Myanmar territory receives strong reaction from ZawHtay, the director of Myanmar's presidential office. His Facebook post, "Myanmar will not accept any foreigner who attacks neighboring countries in the back and creates problems by using our territory", denies the fact that Indian army entered Myanmar territory.

The outburst by Myanmar presidential official should not be taken lightly in the wake of India's push forward in the eastern and Southeast Asian countries. To India, Myanmar occupies an important place not only in the economic sector but as a strategic partner in the Asian Century. The statement of Defense Minister ManoharParikkar on "changing mindsets" about India could be seen by Myanmar's authorities as a sign of India's raising posture against its neighborhood, thus paving way for diplomatic rows among the erstwhile peaceful neighbours.

Though top minister's statement does no other harm than the Myanmar presidential official statement, it does a lot to its arch rival in his west. The Pakistan's prime minister and its interior ministry responded by warning India,"Pakistan is not a country like Myanmar" thus rising strong sense of reservations against any possible move by India inside the nuclear country.

The Indian intelligence accusation of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) hand in the ambush left Chinese authorities shocked. A statement made by it Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei dismissed the accusation as "completely groundless" in a response to an email query from PTI. In doing so, Chinese authorities managed to wash- off its hands thus leaving Indian intelligence agencies to a shame. As there are no followed up on the involvement of PLA officials by Indian intelligence officials, the Chinese official clarification is accepted as true and valid in the public eye.

There are possible reasons that these big powers does not want to annoy each other. The Chinese official does his job by dismissing the accusation whereas India does it by silencing its intelligence agencies to avoid diplomatic rows. If warm relationship is thought to be vital for both countries, why was such premature accusation made, not foreseeing the likely consequences? NDA government seems to have fully immersed in foreign trade at the cost of India's internal security.

Inconsistences News Report

The "Surgical strike" against Myanmar based militants by Indian army is believed to be held in secret, as claimed by minister. However, the strike hardly has its secrecy character. Since the day following the launch of the operation, media houses are flooded with news reports –all exclusive in the number of casualties. This raises eyebrows on the success of its operation as claimed by top officials. Media houses reports the casualties inflicted in varying degrees: over 100, 50 or more, 70, 38 with local medias with its figures less than 20.

In any secret mission or special warfare, news reports normally come with 'similar casualties' for the reason that news item comes from a single source-say the Army. However, the recently concluded mission failed to convince us of a secret mission. Going through every news report by different media houses is likely going to convince that the mission was neither a secret one, but held with a dozens of journalists covering different place of army's engagement with militants. A tragedy has been used to publicize its image, as done in Nepal earthquake some months ago.

Inhuman Subjection of Villagers

It is not deniable that Northeast as a region harbors insurgency. To assume anyone as a possible terrorist or supporters of militancy, however, is the biggest misconception in our administrative and cognitive domain. As such the public is made to bore all forms of human right violations, both from state and non-state actors.

Since the June 4 incident, the bordering areas with Myanmar have been sealed. No one is allowed to move inside or outside from the area. The intention of the army is to nab culprits involved in the crime. However, this lacks logical explanation. Most of the undergrounds who conducted the deadly ambush against security forces are proved to have its base in Myanmar. And it is most unlikely that the militants wait for Indian army's reinforcement. It would barely take an hour to reach it safe heavens in Myanmar side.

The statement by GOC-3 Lt Gen BipinRawat that his men are on the mission to identify those "extending open support to these militants…" is seen with fear and apprehension. It may be noted that the militants who carried out the deadly strikes are of Myanmar based, whereas the area where army operation was conducted has a major Kuki/Naga population. Moreover, sensing the political complexities of communities belonging to Kukis, Nagas and Meites, there is least chance of one community facilitating illegal activities by the other.

In a hypothetical assumption, if any civilian is found to be supportive to militants, our wisdom is to look into the reason what compels them to do so. There were numerous reports of forced labour, subjection and human shield by underground activities. Those could be compelling circumstances which makes some turned to be activist. Army officers engaged in the operation in a sensitive region like Manipur needs minute details about the people without which the innocent will continue to suffer without any sight of relieve on the problem.

Moreover, total subjection of the whole population of the area on the pretext of nabbing culprits involved in the crime amounts to human rights violation in the gravest form. The situation worsensas media persons were not even allowed to venture out to reportthe incident. Anything that is in the news comes from the PRO/military officials and no independent investigation is allowed, as appeared in the editorial column of The Sangai Express (13/06/15). If militants are against state, the army is seen by many as a sponsor of terrorism in the northeast.

India boasted to have practiced the largest democracies in the world, yet it is heartrending to note that inhuman subjection by its military continues in the Mongoloid heartland. Military action sounds catchy but it is not a sustained policy to counter terrorism. Instead, let regular electricity, good roads, quality schools, advanced healthcare systems, better governance and dignified citizens be given a chance to fight militancy, insurgency and terrorism. Centre needs to change its approach from reactive and situational to proactive and sustained long term policies. Our military should be deterrence to a national threat, not a publicity tool or agent of inhuman subjection.