HVK Archives: ISI's Nepal connection
ISI's Nepal connection - The Observer
Posted By Ashok V Chowgule (ashokvc@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in)
7 January 1997
Title : ISI's Nepal connection
Author :
Publication : The Observer
Date : January 7, 1997
The nefarious activities of Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI)
which are directed against the unity and integrity of India have become
fairly routine. Unfortunately, instead of initiating steps to fight back
this undeclared war on our country, the government and public at large
have become complacent. Reports that the ISI is using Nepal as a
springboard to continue its terrorist activities on Indian soil should
be taken seriously as this gives a new twist to India's national
security environment. Despite the pussy footing by the government -
especially the foreign office - the security forces have largely
succeeded in preventing the ISI from infiltrating directly into the
country. Hence, the imperative for the enemy to use Nepal as a conduit.
The new threat is more challenging since any solution to it must involve
the active co-operation of Nepal. Moreover, being a small country, Nepal
may not be equipped enough to uncover the illegal activities being
committed there and take effective steps. Even the Nepali press has
expressed similar views. The government, therefore, should embark on a
two-pronged strategy: First, steps need to be taken to enhance
intelligence co-operation between the two countries. New Delhi must
regularly brief Kathmandu about individual terrorists and outfits that
maintain links with the ISI. Second, as a way of providing a long term
solution, India should offer to train Nepali security personnel in
dealing with cross-border terrorism.
However, no amount of hard work on the 'part of Indian security forces
will bear fruit unless the government finds ways to impress upon
Pakistan that its undeclared war on this country cannot be allowed to
continue. Regrettably, the weak-kneed approach of the government makes
one conclude that it is neither capable of nor willing to act
decisively. A case in point is the manner in which the UF government
treated - thanks again to the foreign office - the recent spy scandal
involving Rattan Sehgal, an IB official, and two officials of the US
embassy in India. The peculiar syndrome that the government is suffering
from appears to be that the foreign policy imperatives are given primacy
over national security objectives.
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