Hardening its stance on terrorism in the wake of Sunday’s attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, India is actively considering imposition of material damage on Pakistan. There may even be a punitive strike in response to ceasefire violations and infiltration.

Based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s instructions, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, NSA Ajit Doval and Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh sat down together in South Block to discuss the ground operations that can be launched by the Army Special Forces.

Highly placed sources in the national security apparatus confirmed that very soon results on ground would be seen and felt but no loud announcements would be made.

The PM held several meetings in the morning today with the Cabinet Committee for Security attended by all top ministers including home minister Rajnath Singh, finance minister Arun Jaitley and NSA which discussed all diplomatic and offensive options.

Talking about the measures deliberated upon at the meeting, top sources in the government told India Today that diplomatic talks with Pakistan may now be off the table. There may not be any dossier diplomacy.

Sources also said PM Modi has given his nod to diplomatically isolate Pakistan at every international grouping in the wake of the Uri attack.

MoS Defence Subhash Bhamre has attacked Pakistan army and said that it is to be blamed for Uri attacks. He said, “Jaish-e-Mohammad couldn’t have operated without Pakistan army’s support.”

He said, “We will call for diplomatic isolation of Pakistan on international stage.”

The action plan is as follows:

1. Declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terror

2. Scale down diplomatic ties with Pakistan

3. Scale down economic ties with Pakistan

4. Punish Pakistan along the LoC for infiltration and ceasefire violation

5. There is likely to be bombing of Pakistani posts along the LoC, but not immediately

The government feels all political parties are united on teaching Pakistan a lesson. Hence, executing the plan to make Pakistan bleed may not be a hindrance, the sources said.

“DEFENCE, INTERNAL SECURITY TOP PRIORITY”

Defence and internal security will be top priority of the government. The Pakistani posts that aid infiltration will be punished.

The Ministry of Home Affairs will strengthen internal security grid across Jammu and Kashmir for operations to be carried out. In fact, the government will launch a simultaneous diplomatic and economic offensive against Pakistan.

Deliberations also took place on India declaring Pakistan a terror sponsor state. India will work on UN and other world bodies to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terror.

These options are at a discussion stage. A final decision is likely to be taken very shortly, the sources said.