​Myanmar op: Pre-emptive strike against militants must be backed by deft diplomacy with neighbours

The special forces operation that neutralised two militant camps in Myanmar serves as a swift response to the June 4 insurgent attack on army troops in Manipur. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, Indian commandos crossed into Myanmar territory and reportedly killed 30 to 50 militants mostly belonging to the NSCN(K) outfit. The operation signals government’s willingness to resort to hard options — including chasing militants across international borders — to tackle insurgency. In fact, for the foreseeable future low-intensity conflict perpetrated by terrorists and ultras presents a significant challenge to India’s national security. Hence, cultivating special forces with the express objective of neutralising militants is a good move.

That said, it’s highly unlikely that Myanmar was kept in the dark about the operation or that there was no advance communication between New Delhi and Naypyidaw. Indian and Burmese troops have cooperated before to tackle militants. Add to this the fact that the militants in question have formed a new coalition of disparate outfits called the United National Liberation Front of Western Southeast Asia and the common threat is evident. Besides, with Indian northeast insurgents having bases in Myanmar, New Delhi would need Naypyidaw’s help to cut off oxygen to the militants.

Which is why triumphalist statements emanating from certain quarters of government are unhelpful. One doesn’t know how overt acknowledgement of Indian incursions on its territory will be received in Myanmar. Minister of state Rajyavardhan Rathore has asserted that the cross-border operation was a message to all countries, including Pakistan, that harbour groups inimical to India. However, surgical strikes on terror camps inside Pakistan would be a different ball game. They are nurtured by the Pakistani state and Islamabad has been war-gaming such scenarios for long. At the very least, reconstituting a terror camp that has been taken down wouldn’t be a hard job for Pakistan and any damage from extremely risky operations would be limited.

At the end of the day the government will need to use diplomatic means to end militancy in the region. Having the ability to exercise hot pursuit of militants is welcome but it can only be a small part of the government’s armoury. Deft diplomacy to boost regional security cooperation or persuade Pakistan to dismantle its terror infrastructure must also be cultivated to ensure lasting peace.