Author: Our Political Bureau
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: October 17, 2001
Introduction: Action against ultras
a decisive shift in India's stance towards Pak-sponsored terrorism
India's formidable retaliation yesterday
to Pakistan's bid to smuggle a fresh lot of jehadis across the LoC near
Akhnoor marked a decisive shift in India's response to Islamabad-sponsored
terrorism. The army action at Akhnoor didn't remain confined to the infiltrators
who had crossed over, but targeted the Pakistani bunkers who had provided
cover to the terrorists by resorting to heavy firing. The swift retaliatory
action led to the destruction of 11 Pakistani posts and the killing of
30 militants.
Addressing the first press conference
after regaining the charge of the defence portfolio, Mr Fernandes brushed
aside Pakistan's theatrics and declared that the army was ready to wage
a 'no holds barred' battle against terrorism in J&K. 'When it comes
to punishing the enemy, we will not hold back anything. We will be ruthless,'
he asserted.
Mr Fernandes, however, refrained
from commenting if armed forces would take the fight against cross border
terrorism to its logical next step by striking at terrorist camps in PoK.
He asserted, though, that there had been no reduction in infiltration and
terrorist camps across the border were still active though they had scaled
down their activities.
Without ruling out the option, he
contended that 'details of any action could not be disclosed as the adversaries
would make preparations to counter it.'
At the same time, Mr Fernandes was
cautious when asked to comment on a similar demand made by the Jammu &
Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, for attacking camps across the
border. 'If such extraordinary step has to be taken, then that's a big
decision. Such a decision cannot be taken on the spur of the moment,' he
said.
Army-officials here are confident
that the change in strategy will not only restrict infiltration along the
border but also pay dividends in bringing down the number of terrorist
incidents in J&K.
