Prime Minister’s Vision for ‘Naya Kashmir’: Countering Pakistan’s Proxy War
In his inaugural visit following the revocation of Article 370, the Prime Minister has unveiled a roadmap for the future of Kashmir, marked by a resolute stance against Pakistan’s covert aggression.
Traditionally, assessments of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have been reactive, triggered by terrorist incidents. Yet, when a prominent leader, particularly the head of state, ventures into such territory, it offers an opportunity for a nuanced evaluation, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges of a region beleaguered by a 35-year-long externally fueled “proxy war”. Understanding the intricate layers of the Kashmir issue demands a holistic examination encompassing political, military, social, economic, and, significantly, psychological realms. Additionally, the diplomatic dimension is paramount, given the influence of external perceptions.
Among these, the psychological aspect assumes paramount importance. In 1989, Pakistan initiated a protracted strategy to annex J&K by fomenting internal unrest, leveraging external assistance. By then, the groundwork had been meticulously laid. The security apparatus’ efforts were inadequate to thwart the frequent cross-Line of Control (LoC) movements, facilitated by a populace already swayed by the notion of J&K’s integration with Pakistan.
