The contentious border with Pakistan known as the “Line of Control” spreads across 3323 Kms with is facing plethora of challenges on several fronts including food crisis, Balance of Payment crisis, Inflation, Fuel crisis, plummeting revenue receipts, dwindling Foreign Direct Investment, chaos across Baluchistan and Sindh, the Islamic Nation is certainly descending into chaos for soon.
Any destruction or instability in Pakistan could potentially have a spillover effect on the border regions, with security and stability implications. In 2018, the Border Security Force expressed concern about the increasing radicalization of Muslim populations in border areas as a result of increased visits by Muslim clerics from Deoband, which has disrupted communal harmony along the border, and recently, Home Minister Amit Shah expressed concern about demographic changes near border areas, citing the rise in fake Aadhar cards.
And there has recently been a surge in calls made by many youtubers who appear to be overjoyed at the rapid deterioration of law and order in Pakistan. Many of them are unaware that Pakistan has 150 nuclear arsenals with missiles capable of striking any part of India. The refugee crisis will be a nightmare for the border paramilitary forces. A mass exodus of refugees could result in demographic changes along the border.
The Indian government claims Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and it would be in our best interests not to go to war with Pakistan at this time. In the event of a Sri Lanka-style uprising in Pakistan, India should provide humanitarian aid. With India as the G20 and SCO chair, it is in India’s best interests to manage the situation in Pakistan, reducing the influence of generals in Rawalpindi and supporting leaders who believe in the peace process with India.
As a neighbour who will have to bear the costs of any potential humanitarian crisis, India should increase its influence in Pakistan by using soft power cultivated through diplomatic channels to force the Pakistan leadership to agree to an amicable peace settlement with India by relinquishing Pakistan’s hold on Kashmir and granting autonomy for Baluchistan citizens.
The Indian diaspora and right-wing supporters who cheered on Pakistan’s destruction should be concerned about the aftermath. Pakistani anchors like Arif Ajakia, who make money from their YouTube telecast, have nothing to lose because they are cleverly exploiting Indians’ rage. It is time to exercise caution and trust in the leadership of Narendra Modi, Jaishankar, and Ajit Dovial, who are handling the situation delicately and ensuring that a compliant administration in Pakistan that adheres to the Indian vision of subcontinent progress is installed.
