Let Modi’s jingoism not lull us into false bravado; are we battle ready?
PREPARE BEFORE DARE
If we have to extract a retribution from Pakistan over the Pulwama attack, least of all, we need to be prepared for its escalation. For being successful, surgical strikes have to have an element of surprise and suspense. A punishing strike could be carried out to dismantle terror hubs in Pakistan. But they are defended by the country's military establishment. Pakistan is forewarned and has started making preparations for war, fearing a retaliation. One has to weigh the costs involved. We are proud of our brave soldiers but we cannot send them to war without worrying about whether we are prepared for one.
A Parliament Standing Committee has said in its report that the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy don’t have enough funds to buy new weapon systems required to fight even a 10-day intense war. Deposing before the committee,vice-chief of Army Staff Sarath Chand has said, "Funds allocated are insufficient and the army is finding it difficult to even stock arms, ammunition, spares for 10-day intensive war. All the three services are expected to be prepared for at least 10 days of intense battle."
REPORTS NOT FAVOURABLE
According to news reports, the army is authorised to stockpile ammunition for 40 days of intense fighting, known as war wastage reserves (WWR) in military parlance. In case that is not possible for all types of ammunition, the requirement that WWR must last for at least 20 days was made mandatory by the government two decades ago. The army also told the panel that it was saddled with old weapons and systems — 68% of its equipment was vintage, 24% current and only 8% state of the art.
These ground realities do not inspire confidence in war jingoism of top BJP leadership. Adolf Hitler thought he knew everything. Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union at his whims and against the counsel of army was a blunder and proved disastrous. I can only hope BJP leadership is not afflicted with same megalomania. Governments cannot be swayed by emotions. The head of the government should be the last to give a war cry, without full preparedness.
All this chest-thumping is only leading to heightened frenzy. Modi should leave how and when to strike back to the army. "Jis ka kaam ussi ko saaje, aur kare toh thenga baaje (one should leave things to those who are skilled to do it)”. Let him not lull India into a false bravado. We need to inflict a blow. But it has to serve the purpose — of dismantling terror hubs. Wars should be the last resort to extract that price. He wins who knows when to fight and when not and when not to, says a Chinese proverb.