Feb 14, 2021, 12:11 PM IST
India is observing the 2nd anniversary of the terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF soldiers in a suicide bombing at the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Lethpora in Jammu & Kashmir.
Within two weeks, India carried out an air strike in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in Balakote and destroyed terrorists launch pads, waiting to infiltrate in Kashmir.
Two years on, Asianet Newsable reached out to experts to find out how well-prepared India is to thwart another Pulwama-type carnage. Here's what former Indian Army officer and Strategic and Security Analyst Maj Gen SB Asthana (Retd) had to say.
'Pulwama attack gave India a number of lessons. Firstly, Pakistan, not just their military and ISI, but their establishment too was involved in such attacks. (Pakistan Minister) Fawad Chaudhary mentioned in his Parliament the bravado, that they have done a great job. Second, it exposed Pakistan in the international community as to what they are doing," Maj Gen Asthana told Asianet Newsable.
"After the Pulwama attack and Balakote air strikes, a number of actions (have been witnessed), the security forces have tightened security apparatus, technological upgrade has taken place to a greater extent, and infiltration is not that easy."
"After abrogation of Article 370, a lot of hurdles have been cleared in a manner that the security grid as well as the security along the LoC is in much better shape. The synergy between the intelligence agencies, local police and all other agencies in much better shape. There is a fair amount of action which have taken. If there is need a proactive action, it can be done again. The fact that the Balakote strike did take place and I think that has removed any doubts in the mind of Pakistan that they (Indian Army) can come and punish even if it requires them to cross the Line of Control."