Uniting for peace

Ww are unquestionably passing through one of the most serious crises since Independence. Barbaric killing of innocent women and children in ...

Ww are unquestionably passing through one of the most serious crises since Independence. Barbaric killing of innocent women and children in the name of jehad and religion by terrorists from across the borders is nothing but a war through other means.

The natural tendency would be to retaliate in revenge. The anger in the country is palpable for anyone who cares to notice it. The jawans are rearing to go at the enemy that butchered the innocents. The primary goal of all terrorist attacks is to incite over-reaction. And there is little doubt that events like the violence in Gujarat have contributed to the jehadi strategists that the probability of over-reaction to a terrorist attack in the context of what has been going on would increase.

But for exactly the same reason this is the time for cool, calculated thinking to craft suitable responses. And this is the time for a coherent and united stand by Parliament which should be reflected in a resolution not only condemning terrorism but also showing the way ahead.

The political parties coming together would shape the future of this subcontinent. They must express their own views and preferences but leave the government to pursue a policy based on the guidelines that Parliament puts down in a resolution.

The central point that needs to be made again is that the complete state of Jammu 038; Kashmir is an integral part of India as indeed the resolution of 1994 had asserted. But there is a need to go beyond that to emphasise that the sanctity of the Line of Control established under the Simla Agreement as an interim measure cannot be maintained indefinitely in the light of Pakistan persistently violating it by regular forces or through cross-border terrorism.

It is time we clarified that the commitment to the Simla Agreement cannot be maintained indefinitely and unilaterally by India. This articulation would be necessary for creating the political-diplomatic space for subsequent military action.

The US has been suggesting a dialogue between India and Pakistan to defuse tensions. But it must know full well that the current phase of tensions is entirely due to the continuing cross-border terrorism and its escalation since October 1 and December 13. Dialogue cannot be conducted with a gun held to the head; and hence that gun must first go. A dialogue, therefore, can be based only on the promise and process of a time-bound action programme to liquidate jehadi terrorist groups, infrastructure and activities across the borders.

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The global war against terrorism cannot be conducted if it is not directed at dismantling the foundations of the terrorist architecture. India must step up the diplomatic offensive to identify and classify Pakistan as the world8217;s primary centre of transnational terrorism. Lastly, it is clear that strong measures would have to be taken and Parliament should give full authority to the government to do so.

But it should lay down the priorities for policy actions. There are diplomatic measures and economic steps that can be taken, and these must still be the preferred option. But the use of military force may become necessary and we should be prepared to employ this option with the advice that it be done with due care and calibration.