It’s only this morning that I had posted under the caption ‘Cowards,’ lamenting over the disgusting reaction of a section of the politicians, press and citizens who were apparently guilty as hell for the air the strikes, we had conducted two days ago, retaliating for the Pulwama terrorist attacks claiming 46 lives of Indian security forces.
A MiG Bison flown by Abhinandan was shot, and he was captured, paraded on the TVs as a proof of his custody. India talked, networked and argued endlessly, calling Modi names or PM Imran names, on an incident that could ordinarily happen in any aerial conflict.
I had written in my above-quoted post, Quote –“Grow up! Abhi is safe and will return safely! Or else…..”- Unquote
It was not a blind chest beating but based on a careful analysis of the situation on both sides of the border. Today, I watched on my TV PM Imran making an announcement in their National Assembly that he would ‘as a gesture of peace’ release tomorrow Wing Commander Abhinandan. Notwithstanding the recalcitrant and indisciplined media crying hoarse that it is a great victory for India, it was the sanest thing to do for PM Imran. Had they not made the mistake of parading him, gloating in joy as if they have taken back Kashmir, the Pakistan army could have just kept the truth of his captivity hidden for a while, which plot they lost. The international pressure was also mounting grossly against Pakistan, which would not have missed the sharp cricketer-turned-Prime Minister.
More extended captivity would have made India restive and reprisals would have been untenable for a cash-strapped Pakistan. Therefore, PM Imran had to yield returning the lad back to India. Nonetheless, I would welcome this as an effort to tear away from the shadows of his generals and hope PM Imran would show the same maturity in dismantling the terrorist camps stop fortwith the border firings and proceed against his listed terrorists, as per law.
The turn of event, of the promise of the return of the officer, was one of a surprise and Pakistan did promise to surprise India. I wrote earlier too, by destiny we are neighbours, and if terrorism is leashed on us, India can adequately respond, the point which has now been proven beyond doubt. It is now up to the leaders to discard jingoistic elements around and to smoke the peace pipe and plan ahead for a peaceful co-existence, Kashmir included.
The loud thumping of desks, as PM Imran announced his decision of returning to India tomorrow as a gesture of peace was unmissable and could probably reflect the secret desire of all Pakistanis. Till tomorrow when the Pilot Abhi returns home,
Jai Hind!
Sampath Kumar
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