FAUJI INDIA - October 2019

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The abrogation of Article 370 in J&K has created a new equation not only between Delhi and the Kashmiris, but also displayed the support India can get globally, if it takes bold steps to alter the legacy of its past, constitutionally. While critics of this move have found little support in India, leaving them isolated from the mainstream narrative, major global powers have come forth in support of India, citing it as India's internal matter.
The super-powers are watching the developments in South Asia with utmost attention and seriousness, as Pakistan's baseless allegations against India, finds little support. Add to it India's deft diplomatic moves like its assertions to take back POK and a concerted campaign to project its new offensive stance supports the view that India is finally willing to stand up for itself.
This has left Pakistan rattled even as it stands guilty of dividing POK and enforcing demographic changes there. And the oft-touted threat of a 'nuclear war' which Pakistan's PM Imran Khan made recently, is contestable and has in the bargain revealed that it is an irresponsible nuclear weapon state. Pakistan is in a trance and stands checkmated. We examine this nuclear theme in this edition from our articulate Veteran contributors, giving an incisive military perspective.
The government meanwhile continues to inconvenience Veterans, after the army was reported considering shutting down ECHS polyclinics meant for Ex-Servicemen, beginning with the ones under the Southern Command, and assigning military hospitals there for ESMs' treatment. We show how this would be a finishing blow to not only Veterans amidst the slew of let downs over pension and pay demands, but also to the Army medical infrastructure, which is already swamped with treating serving personnel. Whatever may be the cost-saving compulsions of the government, it will cement troops' view that they will be cast aside upon retiring.