(Image source from: Targeted killings of terrorists in J&K})

India is aimed at intelligence-backed "targeted kills" against terrorists in J&K while militarily is dominating in the Line of Control with Pakistan, which has forced a 30% drop in cross-border ceasefire violations as well as infiltration bids. "The situation is pretty much under control. Our proactive attitude is to identify terrorists and then effectively neutralise them. Every case is handled firmly with clear-cut intelligence for targeted killings, ensuring minimal, if any, collateral damage," defense minister Manohar Parrikar said. Parrikar clarified that "terrorists should be neutralised by terrorists" or "kante se kanta nikalna (remove a thorn with a thorn)" and he did not mean covert operations being undertaken by "our own people".

"Many terrorists are drawn into terrorism because of financial allurements, they are paid money for it. If such people are there, why not use them? What is the harm is using terrorists against terrorists? Why should our soldiers be in the front?", he said.

While talking about Pakistan’s dubious attitude, the defense minister said "the situation actually depends on how we react to it", India's "very firm" response to cross-border firing and abetment to terrorism is paying dividends. As per defense ministry figures, there has been a decline of 32% in Pakistan-initiated ceasefire violations and a decrease of 28% in "successful infiltrations" since the Modi government came to office in May last year.

By Premji