Prudent Advani

The Union Home Minister's statements on the occasion of a visit to an Indo-Tibetan Border Police post in Leh make clear that the governme...

The Union Home Minister8217;s statements on the occasion of a visit to an Indo-Tibetan Border Police post in Leh make clear that the government8217;s policy against terrorism sponsored by Pakistan will be firm without being reckless or infringing norms approved by the international community. Significantly, he said he was not in favour of hot pursuit or US-style missile attacks against suspected terrorist bases in other countries. These clarifications are well-timed and confirm the government is fully aware of its responsibility to scotch speculation surrounding its choice of tactics in combatting cross-border terrorism. In particular, it is important to put an end to the exaggerated alarm abroad following L K Advani8217;s rhetoric about hot pursuit immediately after the Pokharan tests. The right of hot pursuit is internationally recognised and exercised in appropriate situations. But the context of Advani8217;s words left room for misunderstanding. His latest clarification shows that the government knows how to be prudentwhen prudence is called for and does not need lectures from Thomas Pickering or other American officials who seem to think US tactics have a divine sanction which everybody else is denied.

The risks attendant on an active policy of pursuing terrorists across the border into Pakistan are obvious. Now South Asia has had a live demonstration of the even greater risks involved in targeting terrorist bases with missiles. Advani8217;s rejection of the latter tactic amounts to a mild slap on the wrists for the Americans considering the implications for India of a surprise attack in which one or more US Tomahawks missed their target in Afghanistan and landed in Pakistan. It is not only a question of whether the world approves of such methods or whether they are effective. The issue here is how close US military operations came to jeopardising the security of uninvolved state parties. Considering the scope for mishaps and misperceptions, at the very least, New Delhi ought to have received advance information about US plans. Crucial Indian interests are involved in this region. One must hope Washington will be more prudent in future. For Indian and Pakistani leaders, the experience should underline theimportance of improving communications channels and contacts at both political and military levels without more delay.

Advani8217;s multi-pronged8217; strategy against the terrorist threat to Jammu and Kashmir indicates that due weight will be given to military as well as economic and political matters. A new factor to be taken into account is the Taliban next door. Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah8217;s fears on that score are not misplaced. To counter the potential spread of Taliban propaganda and operations in the state will require more vigilance on the ground. However, an overreaction should be avoided. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are picking up the pieces of their lives again slowly but steadily. Encouraging this trend is as vital as counter-terrorist measures. In the long run, there are probably no more effective antidotes to religious fundamentalism than material prosperity and democratic freedom.