The Kargil development is another pointer to the immature and inept manner in which the BJP led government has been handling sensitive affairs. Instead of admitting the government's bungling, BJP spokespersons are only busy abusing the opposition for questioning the government's inept handling of the situation.

One thing stands out most clearly -- that is the total failure of intelligence agencies in tracing the movement of such a large number of militants (mercenaries or regulars, whoever they may be). In an age of satellite surveillance, it is difficult to comprehend such a failure, what to talk of appreciating it. No proper assessment of this large-scale infiltration was made in time. By the time such an exercise was undertaken, it was too late to deal with it routinely. An extraordinary situation was thus allowed to develop by the BJP led government, demanding an extraordinary response.

While the country's Defence minister is seeking to absolve Pakistan prime minister and the ISI of any responsibility for these developments, the principal secretary to Vajpayee claimed that preparations for the intrusion into Kargil had been going on even when prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee undertook his bus journey to Lahore and the much hyped Lahore declaration was signed. The entire opposition has expressed concern over these developments. While the opposition has extended support to the government's efforts to flush out the intruders, they have cautioned against any escalation that would lead to hostilities between the two countries. As opposed to this, various BJP spokesmen, including the Prime Minister, have been repeatedly asserting that a war-like situation exists.

Notwithstanding the denials by Pakistan, it is impossible for about 800 well-trained and well-equipped mercenaries to entrench themselves within eight km of the Indian side of the LoC and occupy vantagepoints at heights of 15,000 to 17,000 feet. The quality of weapons and the logistic support that they have received, reveals the extent of backing that they are having from across the border. The Asian Age has reported that the movement of infiltrators had begun as early as in January this year. Empty bunkers were identified; both regulars and mercenaries were pushed in and strategically positioned. The infiltrators have built cement hideouts in the mountains to protect themselves from artillery fire.

Such material support, training and supplies, as any novice would know, could not come without the backing of the political establishment in Pakistan. Whom, then, is the Indian Defence minister, George Fernandes, trying to fool by saying that the Pakistan Prime Minister and the ISI had had no role to play in the intrusion? No doubt, the role of the Pakistan army in that country's politics and civilian affairs have not been overboard. But the army on its own, without clearance from the political leadership could not have thought of an operation of such a magnitude. It is the height of irresponsibility to make such preposterous claims. Only fools can believe that the Pak ruling establishment has surrendered its decision-making powers to the army. By making such absurd statements, the Defence minister is not only putting India to ridicule but also damaging and misrepresenting India's position internationally. The first thing for the government to do is put an end to such irresponsible statements and, instead of handling the affair in a cavalier fashion, treat it with all the seriousness that it deserves.

While extending whole hearted support to the government in dealing with the situation and defeating the nefarious game plan of the Pakistani ruling establishment, the CPI (M) and other opposition parties have rightly taken the government to task for its failure in exercising vigilance and for the delay in reacting to such a serious and dangerous situation. But this has not gone down well with the BJP. Its spokesmen have only sought to politicise the issue. We have criticised the government keeping at heart the nation's interests, while the BJP is trying to reap political mileage out of these developments.

Then, in an unprecedented way, serving Defence officers were summoned to brief the national executive meet of the BJP. The latter sought to wriggle out of its embarrassing situation by stating that other parties can also do likewise. By this action, the BJP sought to undermine the high respect that the Indian people have for the army's patriotism and capabilities. The Indian army has established a record of political neutrality and non-partisanship. In a vast and diverse country like ours, asking officers to attend the meetings of any political party should not undermine the independent authority of our armed forces. The BJP should know that any erosion of the army's neutrality would only undermine the credibility of the armed forces, which would be disastrous for the country. Such unwarranted and avoidable actions must not be indulged in.

PAKISTAN'S DESIGNS

While the people of both India and Pakistan overwhelmingly desire peace, the Pakistani ruling classes have never reconciled to Kashmir being a part of India. Herein lies the root of the problem. Over the years it has been trying to create trouble in the Kashmir valley. It has encouraged and supported pro-Pak outfits from time to time, trained, recruited and infiltrated the militants into the valley, and indulged in other terroristic activities. Their intervention in the valley dates back to the immediate post-independence period when Pakistani raiders descended on the valley. By fighting against the raiders, even before the Indian army arrived on the scene, the people of Kashmir had decided to cast their lot with India. Maharaja Hari Singh, who entertained hopes of creating an independent state under imperialist auspices and as provided for in the Mountbatten Award, had to beat a hasty retreat and sign the instrument of accession.

Subsequently in 1973 when the Shimla agreement was signed, it was envisaged that a solution to this problem would be found through negotiations and until such time the LoC would be maintained. The situation, however, took a dramatic turn with the assassination of Z A Bhutto and the army taking over the reins in Pakistan. Since then, both the political establishment and the army have sought to intervene in Kashmir in a big way, contributing to a steady deterioration in the relations between the two countries. This policy of the Pakistan ruling establishment has created great difficulties for the people of Kashmir who have to cope with militancy and increased hardships on account of it. However, it goes to the credit of the Kashmiri people that, whenever it has come to the crunch, they have always expressed their desire to remain in the Indian Union.

Even while India has sought to mend fences and improve relations with Pakistan, pending a solution to the Kashmir problem, Pakistani ruling circles have maintained that the crux of the problem is Kashmir and everything depends on a solution to this problem. Pakistan has not lost any opportunity that came its way to internationalise the issue. Creating trouble in Kargil, this time too international attention will be focussed on Kashmir. It will require a lot of initiative and diplomatic manoeuvring by India to convince the international community of Pakistan's designs.

IMPERIALIST GAMEPLAN

While pooling all our energies to defeat the game plan of the Pakistan ruling establishment, one should not forget the role of imperialism and its designs in the subcontinent. From the very beginning, US imperialism has been insisting on a plebiscite in Kashmir. It has always entertained the idea of making Kashmir an independent state as it is strategically located, bordering Pakistan, with Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan not being too far off. While indulging in all sorts of manoeuvres, US imperialism has never lost sight of this agenda. Our people too should not lose sight of this US game plan either.

It is also likely that, after the Taliban's success in Afghanistan, Pakistan has diverted some Taliban mercenaries into Kargil. The Taliban were the creation of Pakistan though they are very much supported by US imperialism. US has a strategic interest in Afghanistan, as it borders India, Pakistan and the central Asian republics -- a region rich in oil reserves and other natural resources. It was the US, which supplied weapons and equipment to the Taliban militia.

LEADERS FAIL THE J&K MASSES

Why is it that, time and again, the Pak establishment is able to gain support in the valley? It is the failure of the Indian ruling classes to address the problems faced by the people of the valley, fulfil their aspirations and protect their distinct identity and culture. Whenever the people have reposed faith and reiterated that their decision to remain in the Indian Union is correct, the leadership has failed them and belied their expectations. Even in the last elections, despite heavy odds, the people overwhelmingly participated in the voting and rebuffed the moves of the Pak-backed extremist elements in the valley. But were these gains consolidated? It is such a situation that comes handy for the extremists and their backers to exploit and thrive on.

Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan's foreign minister who is slated to visit India in the next couple of days, has already indicated that Kashmir is the crucial issue. The government is, however, not forthcoming on details of the talks and is, instead, indulging in unwanted bravado.

The illusions the BJP-led government had created among the Indian public that the Lahore bus ride would go a long way in improving the Indo-Pak relations has been blown over. Instead of trying to blame the opposition for trying to point out its failures, it should better make some introspection and set its own house in order. No amount of rhetoric can absolve the government of its lack of vigilance and its delay to act. There is no denying the fact that if only action had been initiated earlier, the loss of precious lives of our armed forces could have been minimised. Apart from some senior officers, some 46 personnel of various ranks have lost their lives and many more seriously wounded. Even if the other side has had more casualties it does not dilute our loss. The armed forces should be encouraged and given moral support.