People's Democracy

Check Cross Border Terrorism

Surjeet Tells PM

CPI(M) general secretary Harkishen Singh Surjeet told the prime minister that all efforts, diplomatic and military, must be undertaken to check and tackle the problem of cross border terrorism. Stressing the need for a political approach to the problem of Kashmir, Surjeet wanted the Vajpayee government to take initiative on the issue of autonomy for the region. He also cautioned the government not to lower its guard on terrorist activities emanating from within the country.

Continuing his meetings with the leaders of opposition, the prime minister met Surjeet on May 21, in a one to one meeting which lasted for over half an hour.

Surjeet told Vajpayee that resorting to a military option immediately with Pakistan would deflect international opinion away from pressurising Pakistan to contain and cease its support to cross border terrorism. It would lead to a situation where international attention and pressure would be mounted for cessation of war, pushing the issue of Pakistan support to cross border terrorism into background.

Instead of exercising the war option, and while remaining alert to defend ourselves against any aggression, the government should concentrate on further mounting international pressure on Pakistan to take action and curb its support to cross border terrorism, suggested Surjeet. He told Vajpayee to persuade their newfound, close mentor, USA to exercise the necessary pressure on Pakistan.

At the same time Surjeet cautioned Vajpayee not to lower the guard on terrorist activities emanating from inside the country. The pre occupation with guarding the Line of Control and International Border has not stopped extremist activities like the one which took place recently at Kaluchak in Jammu. He wanted the Vajpayee government to reinforce the internal security forces and intelligence apparatus in order to prevent recurrence of such attacks.

Importantly, Surjeet told Vajpayee that the problem of militancy in the Kashmir valley cannot be tackled by looking at it from mere law and order angle. He advocated evolving a political approach to the Kashmir problem which is leading to alienation of people. And for this it would require initiative by the government centering on the issue of granting autonomy for the region. Efforts must also be made for the economic development of the region, said Surjeet.