Author: Editorial
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: August 22, 2002
Why does General Musharraf suddenly
feel the need to be more honest?
After repeated assertions during
the past few months. General Pervez Musharraf appears to have had no option
but to admit the reality that infiltration across the Line of Control in
J&K is continuing. In fact, he has described it as 'much worse' than
what has been going on across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. There is
enough evidence that Al Qaeda cadres in their hundreds and their lenders
had slipped across Pakistan's western border into that country, many of
them even crossing back to fight the US forces in the battle at Shahi Kot
in March, before returning to the sanctuary of the land of the pure.
The details of what Musharraf has
said and its implications would no doubt be brought to the notice US deputy
secretary of state, Richard Armitage, by his staff before he arrives in
New Delhi tomorrow. The question that inevitably arises is, why has Musharraf
changed his earlier stance and admitted to the ongoing infiltration which
New Delhi has been saying has come down but certainly not stopped? One
answer is that he appears now to be emphasising that continuing infiltration
is not 'government-sponsored activity', leaving it open to interpretation
that the earlier infiltration was. The second is that the responsibility
for terrorism is being sought to be shifted to the jehadi groups nurtured
by the army and the ISI over the years as if they were autonomous entities.
The third is that this is part of the information package, which seeks
to enhance Pakistan's ability to deny its role in cross-border terrorism.
But the General's statement also
eloquently indicates that Islamabad is' not making any effort whatsoever
to stop cross-border infiltration and terrorism. No wonder George Femandes
is already hinting at continuing military deployment beyond October. But
surely a partner to the international coalition against terrorism has an
obligation to ensure su ch steps? Musharraf has committed himself more
than once to the position that no terrorism would be permitted from Pakistan-controlled
territory. This cannot be achieved by a passive role although the Pakistan
army has been active in promoting infiltration all along. Islamabad must
now clearly confirm that its army has been ordered to stop infiltration
while the government takes all other steps to wind up the infrastructure
that continues to support terrorists and expedite their movement across
the frontiers.
