New Delhi, January 19
Even though there is discernible reduction in the tension on the Indo-Pakistan border, New Delhi is waiting for Islamabad’s tangible action on the ground to stop
cross-border terrorism.
India has not found any forward movement in this regard as infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir is continuing which is not possible without the active backing of the Pakistani army.
A day after the breezy visit of US Secretary of State Colin Powell to South Asia, New Delhi has refrained from commenting on Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf’s fresh outburst that he is not reining in obscurantist and religious extremists for India but for the sake of his own country.
It is apparent that General Musharraf cannot allow an impression to gain ground among his constituents that he is doing India’s bidding and giving a go by to Pakistan’s Kashmir policy. At the same time, it is significant that the military ruler has asked the clergy and others not to meddle in Kashmir affairs as it is safe in his hands.
New Delhi is acutely aware that Gen Musharraf will require time to deal with state sponsorship of terrorism and remains unbudging in its approach that cross-border terrorism must cease for resuming the bilateral dialogue.
The December 13 attack on the Parliament House here has been a
defining moment and the overbearing view in the political spectrum is that the diplomatic offensive launched by India should not be diluted. New Delhi has not found any evidence on the ground to suggest that Islamabad was beginning to rein in the so-called ‘jehadi’ elements.
Authoritative sources said Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is keeping a close tab on the developments though General Musharraf has sought to impress upon the international community that it was for India now to take the initiative in putting the Indo-Pakistan dialogue back on the rails.
The NDA leadership is firm that Pakistan will have to act firmly against ‘jehadi’ elements along with the list of 20 criminals and terrorists provided by India for heinous crimes in this country. During his discussions with the Indian leaders, Gen Powell had indicated that Pakistan might be inclined to hand over some of the Indians taking shelter in that country.
The Pakistan President has ruled out handing over the Pakistanis but said he would consider extradition of the Indians if sufficient evidence of their wrong-doing is provided. In a contradictory vein, Gen Musharraf has said that he has not found in Pakistan any Indian in the list provided by New Delhi.
A Pakistani daily has reported that Islamabad was drawing up its own list of “wanted” persons from India saying that New Delhi would be required to reciprocate extradition of Indians from Pakistan.
Simultaneously, Union Defence Minister George Fernandes said in Washington that demobilisation of troops on either side in combat readiness can only happen after New Delhi was convinced that Islamabad was taking steps to end “trans-border terrorism.”
Increased American shuttle diplomacy in South Asia is aimed at ensuring that India-Pakistan tension does not interfere with its military campaign in Afghanistan against the Taliban and the Al-Qaida. Washington feels that the border tension has already affected the campaign as Pakistan has been forced to shift some forces from the Afghan border to the Indian border. This has made it easier for the Al-Qaida elements to enter Pakistan.
Sources said that the Indian leadership has done some plain speaking and Gen Powell was left in no doubt that New Delhi will be forced to take whatever action it deems fit in national interest.
