India-Pakistan Tensions: What Happened On February 28, 2019?
February 28, 2019, marks a significant date in the recent history of India-Pakistan relations. It was a day filled with heightened tensions, military actions, and diplomatic efforts following the Pulwama attack. Understanding the events of this day requires a look at the context leading up to it and the immediate aftermath that shaped the trajectory of the relationship between the two nations.
Background to the Crisis
The seeds of the February 28 crisis were sown weeks earlier with the devastating Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019. A convoy of India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was attacked in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the death of over 40 personnel. The Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack, triggering widespread outrage and calls for retaliation in India. The attack sharply escalated already existing tensions between India and Pakistan.
Following the Pulwama attack, India vowed to take strong action against the perpetrators. The Indian government faced immense pressure from the public and political circles to respond decisively. This set the stage for a series of events that brought the two countries to the brink of war. The international community urged both nations to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolution, but the situation remained volatile. The demand for retribution within India was palpable, and the government signaled its intent to respond in a manner that would deter future acts of terrorism. This backdrop is crucial to understanding the rapid escalation that occurred in the days following the attack.
Balakot Airstrike
In response to the Pulwama attack, India launched an airstrike on February 26, 2019, targeting what it claimed was a JeM training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. The Balakot airstrike was significant because it was the first time since the 1971 war that Indian warplanes had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and entered Pakistani territory. India asserted that the strike was a preemptive action aimed at preventing further terrorist attacks planned by JeM. The Indian government stated that it had credible intelligence indicating that JeM was planning more attacks and that the Balakot strike was necessary to neutralize the threat.
Pakistan, however, denied that any terrorist camp was hit and claimed that the Indian airstrike only caused minor damage to a forest area. The Pakistani government condemned the airstrike as a violation of its sovereignty and vowed to retaliate. The international community reacted with concern, calling for both sides to de-escalate the situation and avoid further military action. The Balakot airstrike significantly raised the stakes, marking a clear escalation in the ongoing tensions. It demonstrated India's willingness to use military force against terrorist groups operating from Pakistani soil. This action altered the dynamics of the conflict and led to the events that unfolded on February 28.
Events of February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019, was a day of intense aerial engagements and diplomatic maneuvering. Early in the morning, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) launched a counter-attack, sending its fighter jets across the Line of Control (LoC) into Indian airspace. The PAF claimed that its mission was to demonstrate Pakistan's capability and resolve to defend its territory. The Pakistani jets targeted military installations in Indian-administered Kashmir. In response, the Indian Air Force (IAF) scrambled its fighter jets to intercept the Pakistani planes, leading to a fierce aerial battle.
During the aerial engagement, an Indian MiG-21 Bison fighter jet, piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was shot down. Abhinandan ejected safely but was captured by Pakistani forces after landing on the Pakistani side of the LoC. Pakistan initially claimed to have shot down two Indian jets and captured two pilots, but later revised its statement. The capture of Abhinandan Varthaman became a focal point of the crisis, with India demanding his immediate and unconditional release. The aerial skirmishes and the capture of the Indian pilot dramatically escalated the conflict, increasing the risk of a full-scale war between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The international community watched with bated breath as diplomatic efforts intensified to prevent further escalation.
Abhinandan's Capture and Release
The capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman added a significant human dimension to the crisis. His capture became a major point of contention between the two countries. India demanded his immediate and safe return, while Pakistan initially remained non-committal. Videos and images of Abhinandan in Pakistani custody circulated widely, intensifying public emotions on both sides of the border. International pressure mounted on Pakistan to ensure Abhinandan's safety and facilitate his release as a gesture of de-escalation. Various countries and international organizations urged Pakistan to act in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and treat the captured pilot humanely.
On March 1, 2019, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that Abhinandan would be released as a “peace gesture.” This announcement was made during a joint session of the Pakistani Parliament and was widely welcomed as a significant step towards de-escalation. On March 1, 2019, Abhinandan was handed back to Indian authorities at the Wagah-Attari border crossing. His return was greeted with jubilation and relief in India, where he was hailed as a hero. The decision to release Abhinandan was seen as a crucial factor in preventing the crisis from spiraling out of control. It provided an opportunity for both countries to step back from the brink and engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve their differences.
Diplomatic Efforts and De-escalation
Following the intense military actions and the capture of Abhinandan, diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in de-escalating the crisis. Various countries, including the United States, China, and several Middle Eastern nations, engaged in shuttle diplomacy, urging both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and seek peaceful solutions. These diplomatic interventions helped to create a conducive environment for dialogue and de-escalation. The international community emphasized the need for both countries to address the root causes of the conflict and to work towards a lasting resolution of their disputes. Back-channel communications between India and Pakistan also played a significant role in managing the crisis and preventing further escalation.
The release of Abhinandan served as a turning point, signaling a willingness from both sides to step back from the brink of war. However, tensions remained high, and the situation remained fragile. Both countries maintained a strong military presence along the border, and there were reports of sporadic ceasefire violations. Despite these challenges, the diplomatic efforts continued, and gradually, the situation began to normalize. The crisis highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in managing conflicts between nuclear-armed states. It also underscored the need for both India and Pakistan to address the underlying issues that fuel their rivalry and to work towards building a more stable and peaceful relationship.
Aftermath and Implications
The events of February 2019 had significant implications for India-Pakistan relations. While the immediate crisis was averted, the underlying tensions and mistrust remained. The Balakot airstrike and the subsequent aerial engagements altered the strategic calculus between the two countries, demonstrating India's willingness to use military force against perceived threats emanating from Pakistan. This also prompted Pakistan to reassess its defense strategies and to emphasize its commitment to defending its sovereignty. The crisis also had an impact on domestic politics in both countries.
In India, the government's response to the Pulwama attack and the Balakot airstrike were widely seen as a demonstration of strong leadership and resolve. This bolstered the ruling party's popularity in the lead-up to the general elections. In Pakistan, the government faced pressure to respond to India's actions while also avoiding further escalation. The release of Abhinandan was seen by some as a sign of Pakistan's commitment to peace, while others criticized it as a sign of weakness. The events of February 2019 also highlighted the role of international media and social media in shaping public opinion and influencing the course of events. The spread of misinformation and propaganda on social media added to the complexity of the crisis and made it more difficult to manage.
Conclusion
February 28, 2019, was a day of intense conflict and diplomatic activity in the India-Pakistan relationship. The events of that day, including the aerial engagements and the capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, brought the two countries to the brink of war. However, thanks to a combination of diplomatic efforts and a willingness from both sides to de-escalate, a full-scale conflict was averted. The crisis served as a stark reminder of the dangers of escalation between nuclear-armed states and the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in managing conflicts. While the immediate crisis has passed, the underlying tensions and mistrust between India and Pakistan remain. Addressing these issues and working towards a more stable and peaceful relationship will require sustained efforts from both sides, as well as the support of the international community. The events of February 2019 will undoubtedly continue to shape the dynamics of the India-Pakistan relationship for years to come.
