India's Stance at Nuclear Security Summit Highly Positive

Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's US visit can be termed successful from various aspects. He had gone there to take part in the conference held at the initiative of US President Barack Obama. The conference objective was to prevent illegal exchange of nuclear technique and ensure that nuclear weapons and technique do not fall into terrorists' hands.

The conference attended by representatives of 47 countries raises the hope that a positive decision would be taken in the near future to make the world secure of nuclear weapons. Doubtless, the endeavors to wipe out all nuclear weapons from the earth should continue to be made between Russia and the United States. To bring about reduction in the nuclear arsenal in the two countries should be viewed in this very context.

Issue of Nuclear Disarmament
At present, the eyes of the world are set on Iran and North Korea that are engaged in the manufacture of nuclear weapons. Other countries also can tread the same path in the times ahead, which may lead to the destruction of the entire world.

India adopted a highly positive stance at the conference. Even as the country is not among nations that have signed the agreement regarding nuclear disarmament, its viewpoint has been that the United States and other big countries should also destroy their nuclear weapons to a large extent and then only the target of making the world free of nuclear weapons can be realized.

Mumbai Mayhem
At the end of his US visit, Dr Singh referred to the India-Pakistan relationship and emphasized that Pakistan should clarify its policy on India and terrorism spreading all across the world. The mayhem created by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiyiba in Mumbai is by now a universally known fact. Yet, Pakistan's adamant attitude has made it evident that its intentions toward India are still mala fide.

In so far as the details of the Mumbai terrorist attack are concerned, India has conveyed all information through various dossiers given to the Pakistani Government. But when intentions are not without malice, how can the policy become clear-cut?

Conditions in Pakistan's Provinces
The way Pakistan now finds itself trapped in terrorism, its own future appears to be extremely unstable. In such conditions, if Pakistan tries to further complicate the situation rather than improving it, or if it sill, doesn't mend its approach through its actions then it will have to suffer a lot in the times ahead. Which is why while India's image is becoming strong at the international level, Pakistan can be reckoned among the world's extremely dangerous countries. Conditions in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Balochistan have worsened so much that it will become difficult for any government to control them.

India has so far been avoiding any big confrontation with Pakistan, which is a sign of maturity on India's part. For, the conflict between the countries can prove devastating for the regime. Doubtless, the Pakistani Government needs to rise to the reason with a sense of big responsibility. In this lies the welfare of billions of the people living in the two neighboring countries.

India Must Remain Prepared To Country Lashkar-Trained Taliban Attacks

With the recent arrest of two suspected terrorists by the Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), the conspiracy to blast places in Mumbai has been foiled. This is certainly a big success. Both terrorists are residents of Mumbai. The maps of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation's (ONGC) tank, Mangaldas market of South Mumbai, and Thakkar Mall of Borivali have been recovered from them. The plot was to carry out blasts at the above places.

Pakistan's Terrorist Group
According to the ATS, both terrorists were in contact with some "uncle" in Pakistan and they were trying to carry out the plot at his behest. It has also been said that both terrorists have received training in Pakistan. It has not been ascertained to which Pakistani terrorist group they are linked to, but it is not difficult to guess.

The needle of suspicion only points toward the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba (LeT). It has threatened to carry out 26/11-like big terrorist attack on Mumbai. Intelligence sources also have been issuing warning.

Suicide Attacks in India
In Gujarat also one terrorist has been arrested. He is said to be linked to the Hizbul Mujahidin. He used to brainwash the youth and send them to Pakistan for training. After the plot to attack Mumbai has been foiled, the country would have to remain even more alert. The threat of terrorism continues. Pakistan-sponsored LeT has released its modules all around India with the help of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), who are spread across the country. We would have to crush these traitors at home.

Reports are also received through the intelligence sources that the LeT is training Taliban terrorists, who have surrendered before the Pakistani Army, for carrying out suicide attacks in India. At the instance of the Pakistani Army, the LeT is training the Taliban for suicide attacks in India. In fact, it would be a serious challenge for our security system, but we should be prepared to deal with the same.

US Must Shift Policy on Pakistan for Peace in South Asia

Great significance is being attached, at the international level, to the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President Barack Obama in Washington. The two countries have resolved to fortify bilateral relations. Obama said that the United States would try its utmost to end tension between the countries so that they should work in tandem with each other to meet the challenge of nuclear weapons facing the world.

Obama called for a world summit in Washington with the aim to prevent terrorists from threatening the world in any way through their access to nuclear weapons. Earlier, he termed nuclear terror as the biggest single threat to the world community. Addressing from the White House, he warned that absolutely horrifying consequences would emerge if any such nuclear weapons explodes in any country of the world.

Positive Outcome Expected
The Indian prime minister and the Indian delegation are optimistic about some positive outcome. He urged Obama to ensure that appropriate action is taken by Pakistan against the conspirators of the Mumbai terrorist attack. Obama then asked Pakistan to rein in the terrorist organization, the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba. A few hours after his meeting with Singh, the US president held a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and asked Pakistan in no uncertain terms to take stern action against the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack.

Now, what Pakistan actually does cannot be said. For the time being Pakistan has assured the United States that it will take action against the accused. Hence, positive outcome is likely to emerge as a consequence of the Nuclear Security Summit, provided Pakistan does not bow before the Taliban pressure.

Regarding nuclear security, Obama expressed the hope that the Indian Parliament would adopt the controversial nuclear bill shortly. Earlier the bill could not be tabled in Parliament. It can, therefore, be commented that India will go ahead with its endeavors at the international level so that nuclear weapons do not find their way to terrorists' hands in any way.

Elimination of Terrorism
It is pertinent to recall that during the Second World War, the United States dropped nuclear bombs on two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, leaving millions of people dead instantly and millions of others were afflicted with fatal diseases. Now, the future of South Asia would depend on how the menace of terrorism is eliminated completely.

Singh took strong exception to the supply of military equipment and war weapons to Pakistan. In response to his protest, Obama said that the United States was fully aware of Indian apprehensions, and Indian concerns will be kept in view appropriately. Obama has favored the need to lessen the tension between India and Pakistan and the United States also will strive to play it out in this connection. He endorsed the Indian demand for extradition of Lashkar-e-Taiyiba operative David Headley to India for interrogation.

The Indian prime minister said in no uncertain terms that infiltration from Pakistani side was being stepped up constantly, which was a challenge to India. The actual truth is that the United States needs to bring about a shift in its policy on Pakistan, failing which it would be difficult to maintain peace in this region.

Cross-Border Narcotics Smuggling More Dangerous Than Infiltrators

With the acceleration in the activities of Pakistan-based terrorists, a spurt has taken place in smuggling of fake Indian currency and heroin and infiltration from across the border. Owing to the existence of the strongholds of Al-Qa'ida and the Taliban on either side of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, opium cultivation and its by-product heroin is flourishing as a major illegal industry, which is the biggest source of financial support to these militant organizations.

Extending Monetary Support
There are also news reports that the Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and military are extending monetary support to these Pakistan-based militant organizations out of the income from narcotic products. Ever since the times of Ziaul Haq, Pakistani military officials are filling their pockets from the smuggling of heroin. According to a report of the US Secretariat of State on the international narcotics trade, smugglers push heroin to Europe enroute India.

For quite some time the Afghan and Pakistani smugglers have been pushing large quantity of heroin in collision with Indian smugglers. It is amply evident from the arrests of smugglers and recovery of huge catch of heroin at the border.

Recent Events
On 3 March: In Ajnala sector the police seized heroin worth Rs. 50 million ($1 million) from a woman smuggler and her accomplice Pammi.

On 5 March: Heroin worth Rs.2 million ($40,000) was recovered from four smugglers at Ajnala. In Tarn Taran, police carried out a raid and seized heroin worth Rs.5 million ($100,000) from smuggler Paramjit Singh.

On 6 March: At Bathinda, police seized from a gang of smugglers opium and smack worth Rs.50 million ($1 million).

On 7 March: The State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar, seized heroin worth Rs.50 million ($1 million) from three smugglers in the Khemkaran sector. Some of these smugglers suffered 13-year imprisonment for heroin smuggling.

On 13 March: Heroin valued at Rs.25 million ($500,000) was recovered from the possession of a smuggler at Chheharla.

On 18 March: Border Security Force personnel shot a Pakistani smuggler at Jalalabad area falling between the police post of Jodhewala and S.S. Walia, who was making an infiltration bid and seized from him heroin worth Rs.13 million ($260,000) and Rs.1.8 million ($36,000) fake Indian currency, apart from arms and ammunition.

On 18 March: In Amritsar, a smuggler was arrested by the state special operation cell. His name is Tehal Singh.

On 21 March: In the Amritsar sector the state Special Operation Cell after an encounter arrested five smugglers and recovered heroin valued at Rs.1.30 billion ($26 million), and one 30 bore pistol from their possession.

At Jaisalmer, the Narcotics Central Bureau seized heroin worth Rs.50 million ($1 million) from two Maoists traveling on the Inter City Express. They identified Ghani Khan and Ananad Singh who brought the contraband from Pakistan.

Infiltration by Militants
These are the consignments of heroin that were recovered by the security forces, police and intelligence agencies. In addition, there must be a large quantity of narcotics that could not be recovered. This smuggled heroin is far more dangerous than the infiltration by militants from across the border.

The infiltrator is either killed or sooner or later is killed or arrested by the police or he finds his way into the prison. But, heroin, smack and opium are such dangerous drugs that are winning the youth. Because of the addiction, they tend to indulge in crimes such as loot, robbery, etc.

Worrisome Aspect
Al-Qa'ida, the Taliban, the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba, and other terrorist organizations buy arms and ammunition with this money got from the sale of narcotics. Militants active in India also are receiving financial support from the income of smuggled narcotics through hawala (informal transaction of money) transactions. With the arrest of a couple of Maoists in the Jaisalmer sector, another fresh chapter has been added to the smuggling activity. The Naxals also have adopted smuggling as a source of income.

Another worrisome aspect of heroin smuggling is that heroin cannot be pushed into the country without the complicity, collusion, and cooperation of local smugglers as also complacency of the security forces and police. Police officials and security forces are also turning corrupt. It has, therefore, become imperative to check smuggling of heroin and to ensure that the accused are given stringent punishment. There is also the need to make necessary amendments in relevant laws to wipe out terrorism.

Withdrawal of US Forces From Afghanistan May Put Pakistan at Risk

The tragedy of the Pakistani rulers and leaders is that while in power they say something and after being ousted from power they go abroad and their rhetoric undergoes a change. When Benazir Bhutto was the prime minister, she often issued "anti-India" statements and like her father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, she had been harping on the Kashmir issue.

While in power she never uttered a world against hardliners and fanatic elements that dominated the whole of Pakistan. After losing power, she lived abroad on deportation. She would tell the media in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Dubai that normalization of relations between India and Pakistan was extremely imperative for peace in South Asia. Prior to the last elections in Pakistan when she returned home, she addressed foreign journalists and said she was extremely critical of militants, describing them as fatal for the region.

Present Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, during his foreign tours, made similar statements against the Taliban and other extremists. But when back in his country, he gives "anti-India" statements and blames India for terrorist activities and gives a clean chit to the main conspirator of the Mumbai attack, Hafiz Mohammad Saeed.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is the only Pakistani ruler who perceived the ground realities and took practical steps to improve relations between India and Pakistan and invited former Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to Lahore. A resolve was taken to settle the Kashmir problem and other bilateral issues through talks. But Musharraf, who was the Pakistani Army chief, started the Kargil war and upset the peace efforts.

Support to Militant Organizations
Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf captured power through a military coup. He instigated the Taliban government in Afghanistan and extended patronage to Al-Qa'ida and other anti-India organizations during his term as Pakistan president. The attacks on the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly and the Indian Parliament were carried out during his term.

The Pakistani intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), extended full support to militant organizations and the Taliban in Afghanistan were provided directions by the Pakistani military officers. Then, Musharraf's intention was to achieve access to the Middle East via Afghanistan. Yet, his game was spoiled due to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. He was constrained to join the global war on terror when Bush reprimanded him. Under the UN pressure, he had to rein in militant outfits. But, even thereafter, Musharraf continued to play double games.

While the ISI and the Pakistani military bolstered the Taliban, organizations such as the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba went on with their activities by changing their names. Musharraf remained in a mode of denial of the existence of militant training camps on the Pakistani soil and the infiltration along the border with India, but simultaneously went ahead with bolstering militants. So far so, Musharraf received US aid to the tune of billions of dollars. It was during his term that the leaders of the United States and other countries of the world termed Pakistan as a nursery of terrorism.
Change of Power in Pakistan
Finally, in the wake of change in power in Pakistan, Musharraf had to flee to the United Kingdom and now the possibility of his return to Pakistan is ruled out. After meeting journalists in foreign countries, Musharraf has now realized the stark reality and in a statement in Washington recently, he said, "President Obama Barack administration has reportedly planned to withdraw forces from Afghanistan within a year but there is no truth in that.

For peace and stability in the region it is imperative to defeat the Taliban and the continued presence of the US forces is extremely essential to crush the Taliban there." It is the first time that Musharraf has spoken the right thing in no uncertain terms.

Taliban suicide attacks in Afghanistan are causing huge loss of life and property. If the US and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces withdraw from Afghanistan without the elimination of the Taliban and Al-Qa'ida, the very survival of Pakistan and Afghanistan will be jeopardized and peace and stability in the region will be shattered, thereby creating a serious threat to the whole world.

Need To Distinguish Between Accused, Culprit in Militant Cases

The arrests made in Gujarat and Maharashtra endorse the plea that Kashmir is not the sole target of terrorist organizations. The entire country is on their monitor. Few days ago, renowned scholar of international terrorism and peace, Astle Talice, said that the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba's (LeT) target is not only Kashmir but also the whole of India and the final goal of this militant organization will not be achieved with the resolution of Kashmir problem.

Goal of Militant Organization
The Pakistani military regimes and elected governments nurtured the LeT with a view to keep the Kashmir issue alive and burning. Now, the targets of these terrorist organizations have undergone a change and now it has gone out of control of the Pakistani Government. Its base in Pakistan has been fortified more among the Sunni sect of southern Punjab rather than Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The LeT intends to expand its strength in Pakistan. It advocates and supports every possible strike against India. It carries out terrorist activities in Kashmir with the support of non-Kashmiris. Likewise, a change has taken place in the mindset and structure of other militant organizations. The militant organizations once functioning under the patronage of the Pakistani Government have now turned so much arbitrary that they are waging fights simultaneously in Pakistan and outside the same.

As many as 500 explosions took place in Pakistan in 2009, in which were targeted police, military, the intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and other government establishments and institutes. In such a state of affairs the arrests made in Gujarat and Maharashtra raise several serious questions.

In the wake of every terror attack the government talks in terms of fortified intelligence, efficient surveillance system and reliable investigation. The need for effective coordination is underlined in order to intensify war on terror from the local to the international level in addition to plugging the loopholes in the security mechanism. The setting up of a strong network is demanded in order to establish the apprehensions of terror strikes or prove them baseless.

Objective of Security Agencies
In the existing scenario the main objective of security agencies is to prevent terrorist attacks. Democratic and human rights organizations pose the question why innocent people become victim on the pretext of war on terror? These organizations often emphasize that the investigation should be transparent and court procedures should be conducted in a transparent manner.

In the existing situation even a minor lapse becomes the cause of fatal attacks. Hence, security agencies are not in a position to run massive risk.

Firm Coordination Required
If a firm coordination is maintained and ensured from the lowest to the highest level and intelligence is shared with the use of modern equipment then the security agencies can achieve success in dealing with the apprehensions of the terrorist attacks. Terrorist strikes can be prevented and innocent people can be saved from the onslaughts of apprehensions.

World history bears testimony to the fact that lapses and excesses of security agencies aggravate the problem. The government and security agencies should ensure that the investigation should be transparent and democratic rights of the arrested accused and their human and legal rights are availed of appropriately by them. A distinction should be made between the accused and the culprit.

India Must Continue Efforts To Bring Conspirator Headley to Country

Finally, the US national of Pakistani origin David Coleman Headley admitted to the crime of his involvement in the conspiracy of the Mumbai attack before a Chicago-based court. Even before his admission to the crime, news reports has started emanating about it due to which the entire world had got to know that a deal was struck between him and the US Government.

According to it, if he divulges to the US Administration all information about the Mumbai strikes and other terrorist activities linked with it then he will not be awarded capital punishment. Simultaneously the United States announced its decision that Headley will not be handed over to India and Indian agencies can only interrogate him.

Activities in Pakistan
It clearly manifests that the US Administration, for special reasons, is trying to save him. Headley has been facing the charge that he acted as a double agent between the US Administration and the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiyiba. Earlier, he was once apprehended for smuggling heroin from Pakistan to the United States. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment on admission to the crime. He was subsequently set free to resume his activities in Pakistan.

The situation in respect of Headley is so complex that it is hard to readily perceive it. Yet, it has once again raised finger to the US tactics. It is intriguing to note a country leading the global war on terror is adopting double standards on terrorism.

Tackling Terrorism
The state of affairs of the US Administration by and large is such that while it feels the heat of fire when it engulfs its own house, but when some other house is set ablaze then it looks to it as if some sport is being played. The way the United States has saved a person from going to the gallows who led the conspirators of the Mumbai attack leaving more than 166 people dead and wounding hundred others and the way it exonerated him by making him confess to the crime and refusing to hand him over to India, the US Administration can be termed a major culprit.

The calculations of the US Administration to tackle terrorism are such that in order to restrain Al-Qa'ida leaders it is securing the support of Pakistan which intelligence agencies are in collusion with the terrorist organization for carrying out terrorist activities in India, but it is turning a blind eye to it. The United States will realize all this only when the heat of terrorism is once again felt by its own country in some form or the other. Even as an attempt has been made to save a dangerous conspirator like Headley, it does not realize that he can continue to be a cause of headache for itself also because seven US nationals were also killed in the Mumbai mayhem.

If it had not happened then the mindset of the US Administration would not have been confined to saving Headley and instead he would have been set free after a brief term of imprisonment. Now, if Headley is given the death sentence then the chief reason behind it would be the killing of some US nationals in the Mumbai attack.

Conspiracy Against Mumbai Attacks
In the wake of Headley's admission to the crime, the Pakistani Government also stands exposed, for until now Pakistan has been harping on its stand that the Mumbai attackers were not its nationals or the conspiracy for the Mumbai attacks was not hatched in Pakistan. It has come to the fore that Headley had been frequently visiting India with a view to survey the spots that were to be targeted by the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba. He had, in fact, taken a video footage of those locations. He has been frequenting Pakistan in order to feed intelligence inputs to Pakistan-based terrorists.

It should be clear to the Indian Government from the sequence of events that instead of depending on others to counter terrorism it should gear up on its own. It would be futile to carry out war on terror in such a way. We feel that India should not relax its endeavors on the issue of bringing Headley to the country because he is the prime accused for India, and not the United States.

Pune After Mumbai

A terrorist strike in any part of the country before the beginning of a dialogue is nothing new. Whoever might have been responsible for the Pune attack, his purpose was undoubtedly to humiliate India and to scare Indians.
It can easily be assumed that only terrorist organizations flourishing in Pakistan or their supporters could have been motivated by such malicious intentions. Unfortunately Pakistan is determined to assure that such forces continue to be defiant.

Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Active terrorist organizations across the border were recently given the opportunity to publicly threaten India, and some support was also extended to them. Such an attitude will obviously encourage anti-national forces. The argument that some organizations want to create situations to prevent bilateral relations from becoming normal does not hold much water.
It is by now quite clear that Pakistan is least interested in taking action against such organizations. As a matter of fact, they form an integral part of its foreign policy and diplomacy. Just as it is reluctant to take the Taliban to task, Pakistan is unwilling to take any action against organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiyiba.
The Indian Government is surely aware of this fact. Nevertheless, its conclusions on the talks to be held with Pakistan no 25 February will be awaited. Terrorism and talks cannot go side-by-side, nor is such a situation desirable.

Diplomatic Maneuvers
It may not be possible to cancel the talks at this stage. But no one has stopped India from protesting in international forums against Pakistan taking advantage of terrorism in its diplomatic maneuvers. Failing to launch a strong and aggressive campaign against Pakistan at the international level will, in the ultimate analysis, provide it with the excuse that terrorist organizations will have the upper hand if the two countries do not sort out their problems.
It is quite obvious that Pakistan has succeeded in deceiving the United States. But why is India being fooled by Pakistan?

Question of Internal Security
On the question of internal security, it may be similarly asked why terrorist attacks could not be foiled even in cases where previous information had been received? Explosions were carried out in areas that were more or less on the terrorist radar. This matter should not be taken lightly. It is frustrating to find after the explosion in the German bakery in Pune that the police and intelligence agencies have made no headway after the Mumbai attacks.
In order to prove that internal security has been strengthened after the 26 November 2008 terrorist attack, it is essential to expose those who were involved in the Pune incident. This terrorist attack also points out to the need for streamlining the international security system further.

US Call For India's Initiative To Improve Ties With Pakistan

The Jihadists (crusaders) who were sponsored by the United States to fight and defeat the Soviet Union in the mountainous Hindu Kush state of Afghanistan are today themselves threatening the United States as its enemies. The devastation caused by terrorists under the patronage of Osama Bin Laden, once a major ally of the United States, through the 9/11 attack has proved an unforgettable tragedy for it until today.

Gates' India Visit
US Defense Secretary Robert Gates' recent India visit should be viewed in the context of this stark reality. No one can disagree with his observation that if Pakistan and terrorists active under its patronage launched another Mumbai-like attack, then India can feel compelled to carry out a military operation in retaliation. He has also categorically stated that in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attack India exercised great restraint. All Indians on that occasion were extremely estranged and demanded the government to take a retaliatory action.
In addition to the United States, Pakistani rulers themselves had to admit that the 10 terrorists who attacked Mumbai were trained by the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba and sent to India under a well-concerted plan. Now, the United States itself has arrested its national David Headley and Canadian citizen, Tahhwar Husayn, both linked to the Mumbai episode.
CBI Charge Sheet
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has framed a charge against both of them wherein they have been clearly stated to have been linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba. It was at the behest of its organizers that they frequented Mumbai prior to the attack. They received funds from it to carry out the attack. The charge further states that a nexus has been forged between the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba and Al-Qa'ida. They are gearing up to cause anarchy and instability not only in South Asia but across the entire world by carrying out terrorist activities.
Pakistan assured India and the world community, particularly its patron like the United States, it will go whole way to destroy the existing terror structure in its country, but it has failed to do so as promised. Gates, who held the post of CIA director before becoming US defense secretary has admitted that the United States and the NATO forces have failed to foil the Taliban offensive because they have set up bases in tribal areas bordering Pakistan, particularly in Waziristan. Things have come to such a pass that a holy nexus has been forged between the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba, Al-Qai'da, and the Taliban.

Taliban Factor
The primary objective of Gates' observations seems to be that the United States failed to fully achieve the Pakistani concurrence to initiate all-out action against terrorists. Neither the elected government led by Asif Ali Zardari nor the Pakistani military is sincere in this regard. The Pakistani intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been maintaining its ties with the Taliban and the Lashkar-e Taiyiba as in the past. It is still preoccupied with serving its own diplomatic interests through use of their good offices.
The actual motive of Gates' India tour appears to be that India should come forward to improve its relations with Pakistan even under such circumstances and agree to bilateral defense agreements with the United States, but India can ill-afford to agree to it.

Pakistan's Devious Attitude Towards India

Talks, agreements, and commitments only to backtrack later--these have been an important and inherent part of Pakistan's foreign policy. It has been successful in deceiving the world, especially India, with this strategy ever since its inception. India's conventional principles of coexistence, truth, and non-violence were interpreted as signs of weakness by Pakistan. It has, therefore, been desperately trying for the past 62 years to wipe out India from the world map. That explains why it paid little attention to all warnings issued by New Delhi after every terror incident in India, and the necessary proof submitted to it. Pakistan is steeped in mischief. If it does not mend its ways, the situation is likely to go out of control.

Wrong Pakistani Intention
After the horrendous terrorist attack on Mumbai on November 26, 2008, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh refused to entertain any suggestion of a dialogue with Pakistan until all the accused responsible for the crime were severely dealt with. The lackadaisical approach of the Pakistani Government to the issue baffled India and the world. Pressure is being exerted on Pakistan from all corners to end terrorism. Despite Pakistan's attitude, Dr. Singh gave another chance to Pakistan to rectify itself. He had a 40-minute discussion with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Yekaterinburg, Russia on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRIC Summits on June 16. Dr.Singh categorically asked Pakistan not to discriminate among terrorists. A military campaign similar to the anti-Taliban should also be started to wipe out the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba, Al-Badr Mujahidin, Jaish-e-Muhammad, and Jama't-ud-Da'wah Pakistan. Taking a tough stand, Dr. Singh demanded that Pakistan's territory should not be used by terrorists for their war against India. He further expressed the hope that some action will be taken before the two countries hold talks in Egypt in July. The action will establish the credibility of Pakistan.

Pakistani President Zardari maintained silence before the plain talk by Dr. Singh. However, the next day, Pakistani Foreign Minister Malik Ahmad Khan [name as printed] issued a statement expressing Pakistan's disagreement with Dr. Singh. He said that India should refrain from giving such threats. While the foreign minister was giving this advice, Pakistan announced that Zardari would not attend the Egypt meeting in July. Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani would replace him. This way, Pakistan has made it clear that it does not care a fig about India's warnings.

Dr. Singh expected Pakistan to complete within two months the task it had left undone in the past 62 years. Pakistan has successfully carried out its conspiracy to spread terror first in Punjab, then in Jammu and Kashmir, and later across the country. The mastermind behind the Mumbai attack is roaming about freely in Lahore and Karachi. The Pakistani courts have released terrorist commanders Hafiz Muhammad Sayeed, Zaki-ur Rehman Lakhvi, and Zarar Shah for "want of adequate evidence."

Dangerous terrorist organisations like the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad are strengthening themselves right under the nose of the Pakistani Government. Evidently, the government will continue to allow "anti-Indian" activities on its soil, dashing India's hopes. It will always be busy in defensive activities and terrorists will seize the opportunity to indulge in blood curdling incidents like the one in Mumbai.

Violation of Bilateral Talks
The Indian Prime Minister offered friendship to Pakistan in Yekaterinburg to break the deadlock in bilateral talks. No positive results were expected from this gesture. Whenever India raised the question of infiltration on the Line of Control (LoC) by Pakistan-trained terrorists and terrorist activities within India, Pakistan tried to malign India by raising the issue of "Kashmir freedom." It is an established fact that Dr. Singh and also every former Indian prime minister has given Pakistan opportunities to correct its ways, but they could not be availed due to Pakistan's deep-rooted Islamic imperialist designs and its religious obsession with converting India into Pakistan.

Records of the last 62 years will show that whenever India has spoken of peace, dialogues, and agreements, Pakistan has invariably responded either with war, or with terror. The Nehru-Noon Agreement, the river water agreement, cease-fire on the LoC, Tashkent and Shimla agreements, and many other bilateral talks have become victims of this religious thirst. A study of the last 10 years will show that Pakistan has rejected suggestions for joint discussions several times during this short period. Its real motives were, thereby, exposed.

Former Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee traveled to Lahore in 1999, and started the present series of dialogues with former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The United States and several other countries welcomed the move. They expected Pakistan to adopt the path of peace. However, the ink on the agreement paper had hardly dried Musharraf thrust the Kargil War on India. When Musharraf assumed power after a military coup, Vajpayee held talks with him in Agra in August 2001. Musharraf, however, refused to pay heed to Vajpayee's case on issues such as Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and border infiltration by armed terrorists. He preferred to chant the Kashmir issue instead. The talks failed, and Musharraf left for Pakistan, abandoning the talks midway.

The same year, Pakistan-sponsored terrorists first struck Srinagar, and then Kashmir Assembly. This was followed by a suicide attack on the Indian Parliament. There were enough proofs to demonstrate Pakistan's disregard for a dialogue. As a result, the Armies of India and Pakistan came face-to-face. Vajpayee's farsightedness or the US intervention averted a war. The round of talks were resumed once again after a year. Four routes of Kashmir's LoC were opened. A cease-fire was affected on the borders in November 2003. The Pakistan Army violated this cease-fire several times to send infiltrators into Kashmir. During this dark period, Pakistan-trained terrorists attacked Delhi, Bengaluru, Ayodhya, Nagpur, Jaipur, Mumbai, and other places.

Nurturing Terrorist Organisations
It is a well-known fact that Pakistan tried to absolve itself of the Mumbai attack. Dr Singh will have a dialogue once again with Pakistan in Egypt in July. He expects Pakistan to wipe out all terrorist bases in its country by then. However, Pakistan's motive seems to be dubious. The government is under the control of the Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence [ISI]. Training camps are run there under the supervision of the Army officers. Terrorist organisations are becoming strong under ISI guidance, and following its plans. Billions of US dollars are helping to nurture these Islamic terrorists. To expect Pakistan to flush out terrorism in this situation is wishful thinking. All terrorist organisations supported by the Pakistani Government and nurtured by the ISI are arming themselves like the Afghan Taliban fighters and Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaida to spread panic in India.

All these terrorist organisations receive orders from the Pakistan Army. They have already gained a foothold in India, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, the United States, Iraq, and other countries. Pakistan has today become a wholesale market for supplying terrorists throughout the world.

What should be Done?
It is, therefore, high time for the Indian Prime Minister to tell Pakistan tersely that no talks can be held with it, nor political relations with it be maintained until terrorist training camps in its territory are dismantled and armed infiltration stopped. Pakistan should also hand over to India all terrorists responsible for Pakistan-sponsored terrorist acts in India. While taking this tough stand, India should also threaten to end every trade, travel, medical, and educational relations with Pakistan. Before the prime minister proceeds for Egypt, India should give the necessary warning at the foreign secretary-level talks and prepare itself for breaking off all relationship. If talks are once again resumed without any precondition, the clouds of foreign terror hovering over the country will become thicker.