The Pakistan army has started preparing for a possible conflict. After reports of the administrations issuing advisories for people residing in areas close to the LoC, it has been reported that the Pakistan army has instructed hospitals to be ready for emergency medical support.
As per a report in Times of India, the Pakistani army based in the Headquarters Quetta Logistical Area (HQLA) has written to the Jilani hospital on February 20 to arrange and plan for large scale medical support in the looming possibility of a conflict with India.
The letter also reportedly mentioned that in addition to army medical facilities, civilian hospitals have also been instructed to keep 25% of their bedding capacity ready for injured soldiers.
The hospital in Balochistan has been informed officially by Asia Naz, force commander, HQLA, that in case of an emergency war on the eastern front, the HQLA is expected to receive injured soldiers from civil and military hospitals in Sindh and Punjab. After initial treatment there, these soldiers will be shifted to civil hospitals in Balochistan until the availability of civil-military hospitals (CMHs).
In addition to this, the Pakistan government has already issued advisories to the local authorities in Neelum, Jhelum, Rawalkot, Haweli, Kotli, and Bhimber areas to warn the residents along the LoC about the possibility of an upcoming war.
It was also reported by Times of India that the Pakistan army has begun relocating the terrorists in the launchpads along the LoC.
Yesterday, the Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa also reportedly visited the Pakistani troops stationed along the LoC. In a press conference later, the army spokesperson stated that their PM Imran Khan has asked them to respond ‘strongly and decisively’ in case of any misadventure from India.
In India, the Kashmir valley has been rife with speculations and rumors after separatist leader Yaseen Malik was detained late last night. Earlier, the government had ordered the withdrawal of security cover provided to separatists leaders. Some reports say that his detention has been done keeping the crucial hearing over the article 35A in the Supreme Court on Monday. Malik was taken to the Kothibagh police station.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly given orders for moving 100 additional companies of paramilitary forces into the Jammu and Kashmir. These include 45 companies of CRPF, 35 of BSF, 10 of SSB and 10 companies of ITPB.
MHA last night gave orders to deploy 100 companies of Paramilitary forces to Kashmir which includes 45 Companies of CRPF, 35 Coys of BSF, 10 SSB & 10 companies of ITBP. Leaves and training also likely on hold, say sources. Forces to deal with law and order situation in Kashmir.
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) February 23, 2019
An official letter is on this order was cited by many media reports.
There are also reports of a massive crackdown on Jamat-e-Islami leaders. Security forces have reportedly carried out raids and arrested dozens of Jamat-e-Islami leaders from Srinagar and around.
Some crackdown on Jamaat-e-Islami is underway in Kashmir Valley. In last few hours, many of its leaders have been picked up. Including: pic.twitter.com/JSoga88Luo
— Rahul Pandita (@rahulpandita) February 23, 2019
After the Pulwama attack of February 14 that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF soldiers, there have been expectations of a large scale retaliation from the Indian government against Pakistan sponsored terrorists and its army that sponsors them. Reports already inform that the military grade RDX used in the Pulwama blast was supplied by the Pakistan army.
PM Modi had stated earlier that not only India will take all necessary steps to isolate Pakistan internationally, but it has also instructed the security forces to plan and execute a suitable retaliatory action.
