In the wake of reading the Indian Defence Minister's statements being translated into a completely insane meaning by the media i.e. Lost in translation. Because the term 'You remove a thorn with a thorn' is not saying you take out a terrorist with a terrorist. Rather in the same vein as saying 'You don't bring a knife to a gun battle.' - It loosely means that you deal with equal tenacity and force.
I thought to add some bits from a conversation I had among some colleagues I've known in the intelligence community.
On India using separatist groups against Pakistan
India has only this year and for the first time made the decision to support balochistan separatist, and soon Gilgit. You may notice after almost every major attack in Kashmir from Pakistan funded terrorists. They will be a major retribution attack from Balochistan against the military. Things are about to be taken to the next level in the next 12- 16 months against those terror groups leaders that Pakistan supports.
On cross border firings
When I enquired about these border firings, they said " It is really simple to figure out who starts firing first. The first of cross border firings is near always started by Pakistan.".
I asked, "How do we know that?"
1. In 99% of cases India FIRST complains of a cross border firing took place, and in most all cases shows supporting evidence on their T.V (interviews, bullets holes, mortar rounds in local villages). Pakistan almost never is first to claim that India fired over the border. One would think if India was first to do so, Pakistan would love to have the international community know of this when it took place immediately.However, once India retaliates, then pakistan claims India started it.
2. Look at the " locations" that these cross border firings take place. It is almost always in those sectors where infiltration takes place. With one exception, the " international border". In those cases it's simply a harassment technique used by pakistan military forces.
3. Don't forget the often ambush on indian patrols, killing and beheading of their soldiers. One never hears of any done on Pakistan patrols as first action.