November 25, 2003 ☼ Security

India reciprocates the ceasefire offer and correctly points out that unless infiltration itself is stopped the ceasefire will only be a half-way measure. I found myself in agreement with this Indian Express editorial

Are we then to see that promised change in the “atmosphere of confrontation” that Jamali talked about, through an exercise of “strong political determination”? The answer must necessarily be cautious. For one, it is difficult to say whether Jamali is speaking for General Pervez Musharraf. Then there is the extremely vexed issue of cross-border terrorism. There can be no disputing the fact that the extremists who perpetrate mayhem on this side of the border have the support of the Pakistan establishment, or at least some sections of it. If there are still doubts on that score, read the graphic account the Express carried of a young shepherd from Gujranwala, Pakistan, who was recruited as one of the fidayeen behind the recent stand-off at Srinagar. If the peace process is not to be derailed by a future attack of serious dimensions, Pakistan will have to demonstrate its will to crack down on this phenomenon.

Some views on how the ceasefire will change the tactical picture.
Update:

• Counter Point from the Times of India

• ‘This will not make any difference for mujahedeen activities,’ said Mr Salim Hashmi, a spokesman for Hezb-ul-Mujahedeen. He was speaking from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

---

If you would like to share or comment on this, please discuss it on my GitHub Previous
Ceasing Fire Next
Lending Respectability to Terrorists

© Copyright 2003-2024. Nitin Pai. All Rights Reserved.