Pakistan has accorded 'independent soldier' status to terrorists: Shiv Sena

Hitting out at Pakistan after four jawans were killed in Kashmir, Shiv Sena today said it has accorded "independent soldiers" status to terrorists for which India is paying a heavy price and rued there's a dearth of political will to carry out Myanmar-like strikes in PoK.

"Instead of saying that Pakistan is sponsoring terrorists, it would be better to say that these terrorists have been accorded the status of 'independent soldiers' by Pakistan," an editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana said.

"The way our forces entered Myanmar to eliminate terrorists, we are capable of doing the same in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir as well," it said.

"Indian Air Force Chief (Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha) says the intent and decision (to strike at terror camps in PoK) will have to be taken by the political leadership. It is understood then that there is no dearth of willingness and capabilities, but there is less or no political will to do so," the Sena said.

"What bravery is it that we keep garlanding the coffins of martyred jawans? Enter Pakistan once and eliminate terrorism from its roots," the party said.

Slamming Pakistan, it said, "Those who we kill are given the status of martyrs by them and memorials are constructed."

"We are not fighting a battle with Pakistani soldiers, but with terrorists who have been trained by the neighbouring country. Sadly, these terrorists are outweighing us," it said.

The Sena rued that the country has to pay a heavy price while fighting with militants.

"While it is true that Indian soldiers have immense capabilities, we cannot ignore the fact that we pay a heavy price while fighting with them," it said.

What is the need of harping on the Indian Army's prowess If India is incapable of eliminating terrorism from its roots? it asked.

The recent attacks in Gurdaspur, Udhampur and now in Kupwara make it seem that we are unable to teach Pakistan a lesson. On the contrary we need to learn lessons, the Sena opined.

Four jawans lost their lives in a fierce gunbattle with militants during an operation launched in Haphruda forest in Handwara yesterday, following information about the presence of militants there.

One militant was killed in a separate encounter that broke out during an operation in Lolab area.