The author acknowledges the information fed to
him by Prakash Louis (For - People for Peace), Indian Social Institute,
Lodi Road, New Delhi and Pervin Jehangir & Ram Puniyani (EKTA, Mumbai).
The author also acknowledges the useful discussions he had with N
Narayanan, an analyst and for his inputs.
The attack by terrorists on the Parliament on December 13, 2001 has
come as a severe jolt to us. We have been witnessing the destructive
acts of militants, many of whom are inspired by Pakistan, in Kashmir
from last two decades. How can this terrorism be controlled and eradicated?
There is a talk to cross the border and destroy the terrorist camps.
Also there is a talk to wage a war against Pakistan a la America against
Afghanistan or Israel against Palestine. Is war the correct option
for us?
We are aware that US actions cannot be emulated by a country like
us. To begin with Pakistan is a Nuclear State backed by USA. It has
been doing mischief and has acted as the trainer of the terrorist
with tacit support from US. Israel again has been able to get away
with its aggressions due to the unconditional backing from US. Tactically
to wage a war against a Nuclear weapon state is not the same as waging
a war against the destitute Nation like Afghanistan or against helpless
Palestinians. Waging a war in this region will definitely invite US
intervention. Already through its war against Iraq and now against
Afghanistan US has a heavy military presence in the region. India's
war against Pakistan will further strengthen the US influence here.
Apart from the heavy loss of life and property we will be inviting
direct US intervention in our country, which will be detrimental to
our interests in the short and long run both. A war in the region
can as well lead to Nuclear Holocaust, which will put us back by decades.
So what is the solution to the problem of terrorism? We can operate
at three levels. One, strengthen our Intelligence and security network.
Second we need to win over the hearts and minds of people of Kashmir
by strengthening the democratic process there. At the same time we
have to launch a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan. World has
seen its role and surely our diplomacy will be able to win over the
world opinion for us. And lastly we should put all the pressure on
Pakistan, directly and through US to come to negotiating table and
to stop sponsoring terrorism.
All right thinking people both in India and Pakistan are alarmed
and immensely saddened at the disturbing developments following the
deplorable December 13 terrorist attack on Parliament House, which
has triggered a dangerous round of India-Pakistan hostility. The two
governments have become increasingly belligerent. There is a fearsome
military build-up on the border, reportedly including deployment of
nuclear-capable missiles. This bears no logical relationship to the
stated objective of countering terrorism, or of bringing the culprits
of December 13 to book.
It is imperative to immediately cool the fevered hostility and defuse
the eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation. India must forthwith reverse
the harsh diplomatic measures imposed on Pakistan. Pakistan must reciprocate.
Breaking communication links, and severely downgrading diplomatic
missions, can only impose hardship upon peace-loving citizens and
further vitiate today's climate, without encouraging a cooperative
response from either government. India should step up diplomatic pressure
by making the world countries and specifically UN to influence Pakistan
but we should not close the doors for discussion or any other diplomatic
channels.
At the time of writing this article, there are rumours quoting American
Spy agencies that both the governments have handed over the nuclear
arsenal to their armies. If this was true, the South Asia is heading
for a big disaster. The fears are gaining ground as both the heads
of governments, Prime Minister Vajpayee and President Musharraf refuse
to talk to each other in Katmandu on the way-side during the SAARC
summit. The SAARC summit loses its purpose if it can not influence
two of the major countries in the Association to talk to each other
and come to an understanding. In this same column, few weeks back,
I wrote that "a decisive battle is unavoidable". That was an expression
of exasperation, as Pakistan did not seem to hear what India says
and there was no semblance of pressure on Pakistan from world countries.
The majority of the Pakistanis seem to be keen on stable and peaceful
relation with India as the majority of Indians do. We all thought
that there will be internal riots in Pakistan if their government
supports USA against Taliban, but exactly the opposite had happened.
They seem to be more relaxed after the end of Talibans. This clearly
is an indication that Jehadis do not command any popular support within
Pakistan as it is painted in the media. With Musharraf at the helm
of affairs in Pakistan, it is the right time for India to use its
diplomacy to the maximum possible extent to get things done from across
the border through any other country or USA. .....more
