Blast In Mumbai's -2

[Guest]

I had opined that GOI/MMS would not be able to take any substantive action, both internally (SIMI, POTA) as well as externally (LET, PAKISTAN).

However, in my opinion, if I were MMS/GOI, these are the steps I WOULD take to redeem myself before the Indian people.

1) Issue a declaration that the Government of India holds Pakistan and Musharraf responsible for the recent train blasts and terrorism in Mumbai.

2) That the GOI, with immediate effect, cuts off diplomatic relations with Pakistan. Ambassadors are withdrawn. In effect, short of a military crisis, precipitate a diplomatic and other crisis (shows that actions are being taken to assuage the aggreived and angry Indian people. Also, sends out a message globally that Indian patience is not inexhaustible).

3) At the G-8 summit, extract the max. mileage by putting Pakistan squarely in the dock. Request an unequvocal declaration from G8 that Musharraf dismantle terrorist infrastructure camps etc. immediately. (A tangible action Pakistan must also take is to expel Dawood back to India). Additionally, GOI should place these conditions:

a) that India, from henceforth, will restore diplomatic relations ONLY when a democratically elected government in Pakistan is in place (that should be a charter clause in the SAARC in any case).

b) that the USA should reconsider arms sales to Pakistan while the military dictator is still in power. Once elections are held, a democratically elected leader is in place, the Pakistan army is back in barracks, only then arm sales may be considered.

These are the least short-term initiatives I would take if I were MMS/GOI.