Tell US our war on terror has no quick-fixes

General Pervez Musharraf, after making apparently bold promises under pressure, discovered he had actually forgotten to issue instructions to the army and the country he commands.

Instead he set out, along with his officials, to hold out unabashed nuclear threats. Under Indian and international pressure, the General once again promised the US that no terrorism would be permitted from Pakistani soil and infiltration across the LoC would be stopped.

We were reassured by the US that this time, orders have actually been issued, although Washington itself is not very confident of their being followed honestly by the army that runs Pakistan.

But the US seriously wants to see India reciprocate Musharraf’s promises. Uncertainties, however, persist and are likely to remain for a long time. It will take time for sufficient evidence to confirm whether infiltration has actually been stopped.

Incidentally, if it does, it would only reconfirm Pakistan’s sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. Our goals are to see violence reduce perceptibly so people can elect their representatives for the next six years in J-K.

If we are to achieve our goals, then the maximum that India can do is to match promises with promises and action with action. Military deployment and readiness to use it must remain in place till there is credible assurance of non-reversible policy of cross-border terrorism.

This would require the jehadi machine to be wound down in Pakistan and substantive reform in ISI to be instituted. Musharraf has the power and authority to do so. If movement along a positive direction is visible, it may be possible to start small steps, including partial to full restoration of travel arrangements.

Restoration of diplomatic staff must wait till the election process in J-K is completed, if for no other reason than to reduce the potential of their interference in the electoral politics.