Evidence, please

Two separate news stories on Wednesday have claimed that New Delhi may soon release footage of the surgical strikes conducted on “terror launch pads” across the Line of Control. According to one report, the Indian Army has agreed to release footage from the military operations, although the Prime Minister’s Office will take a final call. The report quotes one senior government official as saying, “There is no doubt at all that the strikes inflicted heavy damage. The proof is available with the government that clearly shows our troops engaging the targets effectively.” Islamabad has so far sought to deny India’s claim. Opposition leaders, meanwhile, have pressed the government to release video evidence of the strike to dispel “Pakistani propaganda”. Meanwhile, another news story talks of eyewitnesses living along the Line of Control, who have given details of the surgical strike. These witnesses have supported India’s claims, and that they have “graphic accounts” of the September 29 strikes. According to the publication, the number of those who died in the operation could be less than was speculated in the Indian media and the damage caused to jihadist infrastructure may have been little. In light of the misinformation campaign, the government must be more forthcoming about the surgical strikes. At the very least, it should make public the information that Pakistan already has in their possession. It is the NDA government, which decided to go public with the strikes and showcase them as proof of India’s resolve against terror. The government is duty-bound to back up its claim.