Nuclear-armed Asian powers India and Pakistan have had strained relations since February, when a terror attack against Indian security forces in Kashmir prompted India to respond with airstrikes against suspected terrorist bases on the Pakistani side of the border.
India has the “right to defend itself” and will spare no effort in eliminating terrorists posing a threat against the country, Amit Shah, leader of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has vowed, according to media reports.
“The terrorists from Pakistan attacked and killed 40 of our brave jawans,” Shah said, speaking at a campaign rally in West Bengal ahead of next month's vote. “Should they be punished or not? Shouldn't the terrorists and Pakistan be given a befitting reply?” he asked.
Assuring voters “that the Modi government will not spare the terrorists,” Shah accused the BJP's opponents, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of being weak on terror over calls for a dialogue with Pakistan.
“We will reply to Pakistan's bullets with bombs,” the politician stressed.
Indians will go to the polls from 11 April for a massive month-long general election, with Prime Minister Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, a key party in the National Democratic Alliance coalition, facing off against the opposition Indian National Congress and its United Progressive Alliance.
The elections…
