The process of evacuation of the mercenaries, when completed, would act as a strong deterrent to any similar Pakistani misadventure in the future.  What India ought to consider seriously is the reasons behind the Pakistani maneuvers, immature, as they seem.  If the Pakistani brass expected to gain from the international coverage of the Kashmir issue, it failed to do so, and has on the contrary been snubbed even by its staunch supporter, the United States.  If it was the “height disadvantage” or shifting of the Line of Control that they wanted, they should have taken into consideration the repercussions of their ill-judged actions.  For every one Indian soldier lost, Pakistani may have to account for at least three soldiers of its own, if not more.

The second aspect that needs an equal consideration is the reaction of the major Indian political parties.  It would be suicidal for any party to criticize the Indian Government’s actions, especially with elections round the corner.  It is depressing to note that while the smaller/regional political groups have voiced their concern over the infiltrators, the Congress has tried to gain political mileage out of the whole affair; Its leaders have raised questions about the intelligence failure, and have been busy showing the present Government in poor light.

While Mr. Natwar Singh did not have the time to say even a word in condolence for the brave soldiers who died fighting, Ms Sonia Gandhi’s silence proves that she is clueless about the high tension along the border.  Given her background and lack of experience, she is not expected to make tall statements.  Being the leader of the Congress, she could have at least got the party to issue a statement on her behalf, condoling the death of our martyrs.

Political standards in the country have been falling since long.  If Pandit Nehru started the rot by insisting on becoming the first Prime Minister, thereby causing the division of the nation, Indira Gandhi took things to rock bottom by playing “party first” politics.  She damaged greatly the morale of the Armed forces by ceding the areas occupied by it during the 1971 war.  That one irresponsible act ensured that peace would never return to the valley-it has, in fact, become responsible for the death of hundreds of our soldiers.  Now, by projecting Ms Sonia Gandhi as Prime Minister, the Congress is heaping an even bigger humiliation on the Indians.  The question that needs be asked is if there is war tomorrow, will Ms. Gandhi be competent enough to handle the situation?  Considering her utter lack of administrative experience, it is extremely doubtful.

The Pakistani army, which is playing a key role behind the Kargil infiltration, must also be aware of the level of political discourse on either side of the fence.  Also, had the infiltrators succeeded in shifting the Line of Control, not only would have India paid a heavy price in terms of war materials and weaponry, it would also have frittered the advantages gained till date in keeping the Pakistani forces on the back foot.  The role of responsible political parties should therefore be support the Government of the day-India must speak in one voice against any external threat.  Our men on the border draw their strength from the moral support or their countrymen.  A fractured polity need not send a fractured view.  The latter would mean the Indian system is failing, and is headed for serious internal problems.  Fortunately, such a possibility remains remote.  However, if the alarming increase of sycophancy in a certain political party is any indication, the nation will have to remain watchful.