2. Indian Consulate in Afghanistan targeted – Part of well planned and coordinated attack in sync with Pathankot
Meanwhile, Indian consulate in Northern Afghanistan was also attacked. 2 of the 4 gun men were killed in a fierce encounter. No casualties reported. This is the second such attack since Modi govt. took over.
Definitely looks like well planned attacks by forces opposed to Indo-Pak talks who don’t want it to succeed.
3. Modi meets NSA to take stock of Pathankot Attack – Will it impact talks? Will there be counter strikes in PoK?
The Pathankot attacks are a big blow to Modi’s statesman / innovative gesture of visiting Pakistan to greet Nawaz on his birthday. BJP claimed Modi shared a great rapport with Nawaz. Party also pointed out that since Pak NSA is a former army man, the talks this time have the backing of army. All this proved wrong as India has substantial proof of ISI hand in these attacks. Kargil memories revisited.
As I tweeted today our policy instead of pro-actively dealing with Pakistan is reactionary. Neither have we been able to neutralize these attacks nor have we been able to punish the perpetrators. We can’t keep defending all the time. Either we have to attack or not let them cross the line.
What does this mean now for talks? No more claim of bonhomie for some time and no more visits by PM Modi to Pakistan. In fact its also risky for Modi to visit Pak. Will India act like it did in Myanmar? Looks difficult! But how long will it keep its hands tied just because Pak has nuclear weapons. On a lighter note its Chinese quality so India shouldn’t worry. So go ahead do something….
4. BJP all set to partner BPF in Assam – Way to go!
As I had predicted in my column in Niticentral a few days ago, BJP indeed has got into some serious act and finalized an alliance with Bodoland People’s Front. It should also rope in Assam Gana Parishad I feel. With Congress and AIUDF likely to come together, BJP needs helping hand to win. Won’t get better chance to win in Assam as Congress govt. facing huge anti-incumbency for its poor 15 year rule.
5. New IT Form for high value transactions – Focus on domestic black money
Govt. is all set to introduce Form 61A for declaration of high value transactions and cash transactions to check black money generated domestically. Will increase tax payers work load. Some info. they should already have like people spending >Rs. 10 lakhs through credit cards in a year. Why should one file this?
Also for declaration of cash transactions onus is on the people involved. How would govt. ensure all cash transactions reported? Any ways small steps like these should be welcome but complexity should be avoided….
