08-15-2006, 03:34 AM
<b>N-experts' worry valid, says govt </b><!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->NEW DELHI: Government has taken an indulgent view of apprehensions about the India-US nuclear deal raised by top scientists who have been associated with India's nuclear programme, confident that it will be able to address issues in the light of the civilian-military separation plan and key agreements being negotiated with US.
Confronted by opposition from eight former high priests of the Indian nuclear establishment, who have tactically issued a statement ahead of a Parliament discussion on the deal, government views the sentiments expressed as expressions of "broad brush" unease. Their anxiety is not seen to be unexpected or unwarranted.
Aware that the points of view raised by the scientists would feed into Left as well as opposition BJP arguments that India's nuclear scientists had lost faith in government or worse, the Prime Minister, government is keen to avoid imparting the impression that it is on collision course with the former nuclear bosses.
"They are naturally anxious," said top level officials. Their insecurities have a lot to do with the experiences of the scientists who, during the years that they were at the helm of India's nuclear affairs, had to contend with a world busy tightening the nuclear noose around India.
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Confronted by opposition from eight former high priests of the Indian nuclear establishment, who have tactically issued a statement ahead of a Parliament discussion on the deal, government views the sentiments expressed as expressions of "broad brush" unease. Their anxiety is not seen to be unexpected or unwarranted.
Aware that the points of view raised by the scientists would feed into Left as well as opposition BJP arguments that India's nuclear scientists had lost faith in government or worse, the Prime Minister, government is keen to avoid imparting the impression that it is on collision course with the former nuclear bosses.
"They are naturally anxious," said top level officials. Their insecurities have a lot to do with the experiences of the scientists who, during the years that they were at the helm of India's nuclear affairs, had to contend with a world busy tightening the nuclear noose around India.
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