Pakistan’s Army Chief Warns India Of “Swift And Resolute” Response.
Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, has issued a stern warning to India, stating that any military action would be met with a “swift, resolute and notch-up response”. The comments come amid heightened tensions between the two nations following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir, which killed over two dozen Hindu tourists near the town of Pahalgam.
General Munir’s remarks were made during a military exercise, where he addressed troops standing atop a tank. The army chief’s comments are seen as a reflection of his hardline stance on India, shaped by his experience leading Pakistan’s military intelligence agencies and his belief that the conflict with India is fundamentally a religious one.
Background to the Conflict
The tensions between India and Pakistan are rooted in their long-standing dispute over Kashmir, a region divided between the two countries but claimed in its entirety by both. General Munir had previously described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein”, emphasizing its strategic importance to the country. This statement has been seized upon by many in India, who view it as evidence of Pakistan’s continued support for militancy in the region.
Escalating Tensions
The Pahalgam attack has sparked calls for a forceful response from India, with General Munir’s comments likely to further escalate tensions between the two nations. Analysts suggest that the Pakistani army chief’s response is driven by a need to project strength and rally public support, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing economic and political challenges.
India’s Response
India has rejected General Munir’s comments, reiterating that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of the country. The Indian government has also accused Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism in the region and has called for Pakistan to take action against perpetrators of terrorist attacks.