Written By
Sheetal Prasad
The brutal killings of 26 tourists by Pakistani terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam have strongly and sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. Former Pakistani President cum Mlitary Dictator Zia-ul-Haq’s infamous call to ‘bleed India with a thousand cuts’, supporting terrorism in Kashmir, now seem to have boomeranged. But this time, it is India that is orchestrating strict measures to ‘Bleed Pakistan with a thousand cuts’.
Central Government’s Diplomatic Steps To Punish Islamabad
Ahead of a looming, war-like scenario, the Central government has taken strong diplomatic steps to punish Islamabad for adhering to cross-border terrorism. The Pakistani government’s covert military strategy to break India by attacking Jammu and Kashmir has now suffered a massive blow. The Central Government’s big decisions, taken in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, are clearly signaling an intent on all fronts, including cyber, trade, and more.
India’s Turn To ‘Bleed Pakistan With A Thousand Cuts’?
Hardly a day after the bloody attack, the Prime Minister returned to India by cutting short his Saudi Arabia trip. A high-profile Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting was chaired by the PM, where key decisions were taken to teach Pakistan a lesson and push back terrorism and its supporters. As India prepares to deliver a counterattack, the upcoming strike can be seen as its strategy to ‘bleed Pakistan with a thousand cuts.
Asim Munir’s Strategy Alike Zia-Ul-Haq
The current situation has triggered a wave of questions, with many wondering whether Pakistan’s military leadership under Asim Munir has shifted its strategy similar to Zia-ul-Haq’s, particularly when it is related to Kashmir. Munir’s intentions about India became crystal clear in his recent speech, which he made before the Pahalgam attack. But, before delving deep, it is essential to understand Pakistan’s age-old military doctrine – “Bleed India With A Thousand Cuts”
What Is “Bleed India With A Thousand Cuts”?
Pakistan has been following a policy of “Bleed India With A Thousand Cuts” against India for decades. When India defeated Pakistan, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh on 26th March, 1970, the rival country started looking for ways to avenge their humiliating defeat. they are still avenging it by causing casualties to Indian Security forces and civilians, sparking mayhem in the country. The impact of which can largely be seen in Jammu and Kashmir.
Former Pakistani President cum Mlitary Dictator Zia-ul-Haq furthered this infamous objective of ‘bleed India with a thousand cuts’. The implementation of the doctrine was seen in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when Pakistan aided the Khalistan movement in Punjab. Later, when Benazir Bhutto became the Prime Minister of Pakistan, this ‘cheap doctrine’ led to cross-border terrorism in J&K. For ages, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence continues to train, arm, and infiltrate terrorists.
List Of Central Govt’s Action Against Pak
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: The first among the actions to punish Pakistan was the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. It is a key water-sharing agreement mediated by the World Bank, which controls the distribution of the Indus River system.
Closure of the Wagah-Attari Border: The Wagah-Attari border crossing, which serves as a key point for trade and civilian transit between both countries, has been closed for an indefinite time. Additionally, the ceremonial Beating Retreat parade has also been halted.
Downgrading Diplomatic Ties: India has formally cut off its diplomatic relations with Pakistan through various measures, including the expulsion of senior Pakistani diplomats, recalling Indian diplomats, and freezing outreach.
Declaring Pakistani military diplomats as ‘persona non grata’: India has declared several military diplomats and intelligence officials of Pakistan as persona non grata.
Revoking visas of Pakistani nationals, including SAARC: In a strategic move, India has revoked all existing valid visas of Pakistani nationals, including SAARC visas, citing national security concerns.
Closure of airspace for Pakistani airlines: Indian has closed its airspace for all Pakistani commercial airlines
Snapping trade, shipping, and postal ties: India has completely snapped formal trade, shipping, and postal relations with Pakistan. This includes halting the import and export, suspension of container traffic, joint maritime arrangements, and cargo ships, ceasing letters, parcels, and pouches, and more.
Banning Pakistani celebrities, politicians, and cricketers’ social media accounts and media content: In a rare move, the Central government has cracked down on Pakistani digital and broadcast content. This includes a list of measures such as restricting Pakistani news channels, halting social media pages, removing YouTube videos, etc.
Why States Are Holding Mock Drills On May 7?
Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, the Centre on Monday announced that it will conduct civil defence mock drills on May 7. A comprehensive drill at this scale is being conducted in the country for the first time since 1971, when India defeated Pakistan, which resulted in the formation of Bangladesh. The civil defence exercise is being planned at the village level. Chief Secretaries and civil defence heads from all over the country will attend this meeting via video conferencing.
In a letter written on May 5, the MHA laid out directives to several states to conduct mock drills for effective civil defence. The letter said, “Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to organise Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal across 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of the country on May 7, 2025.” In light of a predictable, looming war with Pakistan, the Union Home Ministry has ordered the states to hold comprehensive mock drills on May 7.
Primary measures of the mock drill include:
– Testing the effectiveness of air raid sirens
– Operationalisation of hotline/radio communication links with IAF
– Testing functionality of control as well as shadow rooms
– Training Civilians, including students, on civil defence aspects
– Provision of crash blackout protocols
– Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants/installations, etc.
