New Delhi: Indian officials have begun evacuating border villages as tensions of a military clash increase. The action comes after a recent militant strike in Indian-occupied Kashmir, prompting an upsurge in anti-Pakistan vitriol from Indian media and politicians.
Jammu, Samba, and Kathua on-ground sources have confirmed that local administration groups, with security personnel in tow, visited a number of villages and instructed residents to vacate “as a precaution.”
The quick move has taken many aback. “We have seen movement of troops in the past, but not such forced evacuations,” a resident in RS Pura sector said.
No Official Explanation, But Panic Is On
Indian government spokesmen have not provided clear details. Defence spokesmen are terming it “routine security activity.” But on Indian television channels, one sees headlines promulgating “surgical responses” and “decisive action.”
Pakistan, for its part, has called upon the powers that be to keep the situation under watch. The Foreign Office made a curt but stern statement, cautioning India against any adventurism.
A high-ranking Pakistani diplomat spoke to reporters: “These actions have a pattern. Whenever New Delhi gets political heat from within, they attempt to divert attention on the other side.”
Analysts Divided
Security analysts are not clear whether this is psy-war or a precursor to something more ominous.
Some point to India’s upcoming state elections. “It’s not the first time the BJP has used war hysteria for political mileage,” said a senior analyst in Islamabad. “But we should not underestimate the possibility of escalation either.”
Others believe India is genuinely preparing for cross-border operations — limited or otherwise.
Pakistan’s military remains alert. Surveillance has increased near the Sialkot and Narowal sectors, and intelligence sharing has been intensified.
Human Being Under Siege
Both sides of the border, it is civilians who suffer most.
In India, many are shifting to temporary huts or family members’ houses away from the border. In Pakistan, the locals too are worried. “We have begun stockpiling water and food,” said a shop owner on the border in Punjab. “We don’t want another 2019.”
The comparison is to the post-Pulwama bombing strikes that brought the two countries to the brink of outright conflict.
This time the stakes may be greater
