An unseemly domestic battle has broken out over the surgical strikes across the LoC. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has asked for proof to convince Pakistan. While we Indians insist that we have carried out the surgical strike, the Pakistanis are befuddled by the claim. Very few in India doubt the Army’s version about the surgical strikes. If the videos are to be released, that moment has passed. Also it may not be a good idea to rub Pakistan’s nose in the dust or make its Army lose face by releasing the raid videos. Pakistan is neither a failing state nor a helpless, isolated nation. Its government may feel compelled to respond with another misadventure. It is doubtful if an escalation will benefit anyone except the radical fringe.

J. Akshay

Bengaluru