Top scientists back Santhanam on Pokharan II

Days after the government clarified that the country is self-sufficient when it comes to nuclear deterrence and has all the capabilities needed to face any adversary,a group of top scientists urged the government to set up a high-level panel of experts to define an effective course of action for the monitoring of thermonuclear weapons.

Stepping up the pressure on the government to not give in to western pressure to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT),the group of scientists has proposed the setting up of broad-based panel of experts to define and monitor the implementation,on a continuing basis,of an effective course of action,in the realm of thermonuclear weapons.

The group of 14 scientists from different fields related to defence,has backed the claims of former DRDO scientist K Santhanam who claimed in recent months that the thermonuclear test during Pokharan II was a failure.

However,the statement has come under flak from Brajesh Mishra,National Security Advisor in the NDA government when the Pokharan-II tests took place. This was clear from the very first day of Santhanams statements that he was pushing for not signing the CTBT, Mishra said.