New Delhi, December 21
To continue to launch a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan while keeping the Indian war machinery well-oiled and on full alert is the mantra of the Vajpayee government to deal with the flashpoint situation that is developing vis-a-vis Pakistan.
A thorough review of the diplomatic initiatives and military steps was taken by the country’s top political and military leadership at a brainstorming session here today.
Well-placed sources said here today that the Vajpayee government had earlier this week asked the armed forces to be ready for a military conflict situation with Pakistan and make preparations accordingly. They pointed out that the military preparations were reviewed at the highest level today.
The feeling in the South Block corridors is that India has to take some real hard steps this time to teach Pakistan a lesson or else be dubbed as a soft state.
At the same time, government sources point out that those who are demanding military strikes at terrorist training camps in retaliation for the terrorist attack on Parliament House must realise that this cannot be done without adequate military build-up and preparedness.
They cite the example of the USA which began its military strikes on Afghanistan on October 7, nearly a month after the September 11 terrorist strikes on Pentagon and the World Trade Center.
