23 May 2002

VAJPAYEE SAYS NO WAR CLOUDS BUT LIGHTNING POSSIBLE

From Jal Khambata

NEW DELHI: The war suspense continues as Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday hinted at a flash or lightning strike to combat the cross-border terrorism and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf warned that even a limited offensive can "quickly spiral out of control."

Even while claiming that there were no war clouds on the horizon as the sky was clear, Vajpayee sought to keep the Pakistan Government on tenterhook by stating that still there can be "thunder and lightning."

In his live televised Press conference in Srinagar at the end of his 3-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister talked of a clear sky to send out a message that India was not itching for a war but Musharraf asserted in Islamabad that India's threats were no longer "rhetoric" that can be dismissed.

Vajpayee kept the suspense on by ending the Press conference with remarks "aage, aage dekhiye, hota hai kya (see what happens in future). He also said the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) was to meet in Delhi after he returns to take stock of the latest situation. Home Minister Lal Krishna Advani sat next to him assisting with replies to tricky questions.

No country goes to war after declaring and hence nothing much can be read into Vajpayee's turnaround from his remarks of a "decisive battle" and a promise to the Army personnel on the border only a day earlier to return to Delhi only after making an "announcement."

He, however, himself hinted at the possibility of a "lightning" strike by stating that "kabhi kabhi aasmaan saaf hone par bhi bijli gir jati hai." (Lightning strikes sometimes even when the sky is clear.) And, yet in the same breath he said it may not happen as he said: "Hame ummeed hai bijli nahi giregi (We hope the lightning won't strike)."

The lightning strike, however, is what Musharraf is expecting as his officials have gone one record stating that India was quite likely to carry out air strikes on the Pakistan-administered part of Jammu and Kashmir, possibly backed by a "limited ground offensive."

While Musharraf keeps harping on India coming to the table of negotiations and reduce mobilisation on Pakistan's borders, his security officials on Wednesday offered to pull back its forces from the western front if that helps in de-escalation of tension.

Vajpayee was initially not prepared to give out his mind on the prevailing tension on the borders as he tried to wriggle out saying "there is tension on border but is it necessary that I should describe it." However, after a prompting by Advani, he said: "Situation is serious, a challenging situation and we will meet the challenge."

Pointedly asked what was he planning when he himself says India had been under attack for 12 years by way of cross-border terrorism, he quipped: "Yes, we have to win this war." But he would not spell out how except to say: "Wait for it."

Vajpayee said he was "disappointed" by Musharraf who talked tough on January 12. "Promises were made but they were not implemented. Words be matched with deeds. That has not happened," he said while pointing out that India continues to fight the "cross-country war" slapped on it. A proxy war is already going on for the last 12 years, he said.

Asked why he does not talk to the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference, an umbrella outfit of Kashmiri organisations, Vajpayee said: "I am ready to meet the Hurriyat." He said earlier K C Pant, Planning Commission deputy chairman, had, on behalf of the Government of India, invited the Hurriyat leaders for talks but they did not come forward.

When told that the Hurriyat Conference wants Pakistan to be included in any talks on Kashmir issue, Vajpayee shot back: "Yahi to museebat hai; Pakistan ko shaamil karne ka savval hi paida nahi hota (That is the problem, no question of including Pakistan in any talks)."

He said he had tried to talk to as many groups of Jammu and Kashmir as possible during his visit and the process of talks will continue with those groups which were left out. He would again come to the state to talk to them and they are also welcome to Delhi. "Meri davat hai (I extend invitation)," he said.

Repeatedly referring to a handout on a Rs 6165-crore economic package he announced for Jammu and Kashmir, Vajpayee said the Centre would continue to help the state but it is for the Kashmiri people themselves to take the initiative. He said his Government wishes to people of Jammu and Kashmir "suraksha" (security), "aman" (peace) and "khushhali" (happness). END