The orchestrated bonhomie displayed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during the latter's visit to India during Modi's swearing-in ceremony along with other Saarc leaders seems to have evaporated soon after his departure. The continuous unprovoked firing by the Pakistani army from across the border killing innocent civilians, including children, on the Indian side and damaging their houses should be a cause for serious concern for the Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government. These incidents once again prove that Sharif, yet to emerge fully from his bitter battle for survival against the cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, is either not sincere about normalising relations with India or is incapable of reigning in his army. While our armed forces do respond to such firings, it has not been possible to prevent the loss of lives and destruction of property. Both the Centre and state governments must address this issue to ensure their safety .
It is time Modi appoints a full-time defence minister instead of burdening Arun Jaitley.
S K Choudhury Bangalore
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