India puts forces in action mode

Saurabh Shukla
Hindustan Times, May 19

India on Sunday indicated it might be close to taking military action against Pakistan by placing all paramilitary forces on the border and along the Line of Control under the operational command of the army and the coast guard under the navy.

Also, while preparing for the next diplomatic offensive, the government decided to review all aspects of the security and strategic scenario with Pakistan at a meeting of the National Security Advisory Board on Monday.

Placing paramilitary units under the army and the coast guard under the navy is standard operational procedure when preparing for war, and is something India has traditionally done in war situations.

Experts say, with this decision, all key military elements are in place. All that is now required is the political decision to start a war.

Announcing the decisions taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh said the "decision to place the coast guard and paramilitary forces… was taken... as part of the preparation".

He said in case there was any firing or mortar attack on the International Border or LoC, India would take retaliatory action against Pakistan. "The Indian Army shall conduct immediate retaliatory fire assaults every time any such attacks are committed by Pakistan," he said.

When asked about war with Pakistan, he chose to be cryptic: "You are reading what you have to read... I do what I have to do."

However, Defence and security experts feel all this takes India a step closer to war. "This meets a key requirement of war preparedness and this is a clear signal to Pakistan and the rest of the world that India means business," said Defence analyst Brahma Chellaney.

Sources say the decision to put the paramilitary forces and coast guard under the army and navy, respectively, was taken for "operational and logistical reasons — imperative in an extraordinary situation like this".

During the two-hour CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee, there were also extensive discussions on the next diplomatic offensive. Reducing the strength of the Indian mission in Islamabad and demanding action against Pakistan under the Security Council resolution 1373 (which mandates action against states sponsoring, aiding or assisting terrorism) were discussed.

Earlier in the day, Vajpayee met Leader of the Opposition, Sonia Gandhi and briefed her on the situation at the border.

Vajpayee will visit Jammu on May 21. He will also meet senior army and security forces commanders at a Unified Command Meeting on May 23.

After the CCS meeting, Jaswant Singh said, "There was a discussion on the MFN status on trade to Pakistan and a decision will be taken later."

Battlelines: Who stands where

India On Sunday, placed all paramilitary forces on the border and along the LoC under the operational command of the Army and the Coast Guard under the Navy. Will review all aspects of the security and strategic scenario with Pakistan at a meeting of the National Security Advisory Board scheduled for Monday. NSAB is the country’s apex advisory body on security issues.

Pakistan Said the situation on the border is “very dangerous”. Urged India to pull back its forces. On India’s decision to ask Pakistan to withdraw its High Commissioner from New Delhi, a Pakistani spokesman said, “We are greatly disappointed.”

United Kingdom Warned India against any “Israel-type” strikes against Pakistan. Said aggressive Israeli military action in Palestine had not prevented terrorist attacks from being carried out within Israel. Said opposing forces and the terrain in Kashmir would not permit India to win a fourth war easily, should it take place.

United States US assistant secretary of state Christina Rocca said: “We (the US) need to get them (Pakistan) to take action that might avoid a possible confrontation between the two countries.” Acts like the Kaluchak attack are not part of freedom struggle but acts of terrorism.