‘It’s Pakistan that is being irresponsible by talking of N-weapons’

1 Is there a tactical shift by the Indian Army, to go in hot pursuit of rebels who take refuge in foreign countries? Is it a case of Myanmar today, and Pakistan tomorrow?

The Indian Army is the most experienced army in handling insurgency situations. Their tactics have been evolved and refined empirically. There is no tactical shift. Hot pursuit is part of normal Army tactics. These measures are usually undertaken and concerned friendly countries are kept in the loop if the operation is conducted in their territory. This is not the first time such measures have been taken but such a perception has been created probably because it got over-publicised by the media this time.

Besides, Myanmar is a friendly country and ties with it have improved tremendously over the last decade. Myanmar is also facing a problem tackling militants on its own border with China and understands the need for the operation after the Manipur ambush. Our cooperation with them should remain discreet. As far as Pakistan is concerned, we should ignore what they say. Sabre-rattling is their usual habit. Any talk by them concerning their possessing nuclear weapons is highly irresponsible.

2 It is believed that the Indian Army has plans on the drawing board for such operations. Can we execute them now that the element of surprise is no longer there?

I am not privy to Army plans. But there is no doubt that the Indian Army has the capability for more such operations. Valid and real time Intelligence inputs are the key. The gain of the recent operation is more in the psychological dimension. It has made the militants feel they are not safe anywhere in any sanctuary. We should remain prepared for more militant attacks. One has no doubt that the Army would maintain a high level of alertness.

3 India has worked in tandem with Bhutan and Bangladesh in the past, with considerable success. But none of these were ever made public. Why was this operation ‘owned’ by an Indian minister and made public? What was the point of it all?

There is a need to observe discretion and restraint in making such statements. The sensitivity of our supportive neighbours should be kept in mind. When the Army had already issued a correct and appropriate statement, we should have let the action speak for itself. Any display of verbal machismo or Rambo-like talk should be avoided as it cannot further our national interests. An elephant never has to tell others that he is powerful.

4 Was the Indian Army caught napping? It does not police the Myanmar border and therefore has no Intelligence on the ground. Should the BSF and ITBP be deployed there as well?

I don’t agree that the Army was caught napping. The border that side is very porous and it is humanly impossible, to seal it. Beating a vehicle ambush is the most difficult task as the movement of a road-bound convoy cannot remain hidden. The Army has drills of protecting the convoy through patrolling the road flanks in advance though ‘road opening parties’. However, since convoys have to move over long distances, protecting or sanitising the entire route is a physical impossibility. Strong counter action, as was done in this case, is a more potent deterrent for any future adventurism by the militants. It does not matter which agency guards the border as long as there is sufficient coordination among the different security forces.