All said and done, holding J&K polls still remains Centre’s Agenda No 1

The Government is likely to propose that both Houses of Parliament adopt a joint resolution tomorrow condemning the May 14 Jammu massacre an...

The Government is likely to propose that both Houses of Parliament adopt a joint resolution tomorrow condemning the May 14 Jammu massacre and reiterating India’s resolve to stamp out cross-border terrorism.

There is a move to mention Pakistan in the resolution but the final formulation will be decided only in the morning after consulting the Opposition before the two Houses meet.

Day before: Army chief says it’s time for action

• Vajpayee calls Fernandes, Advani and Jaswant to discuss options. After Parliament debate today, Cabinet Committee on Security likely to meet on Saturday to decide next step.
• Defence Ministry holds Islamabad responsible for the attack. Says all three terrorists were from Pakistan: Abu Suhail of Faislabad, Abu Murshed (Mohammad Munir) of Gujranwala and Abu Javed (Amzad Salam bin Mohammed Gisha), also of Gujranwala.
• In Kathmandu, Army chief S Padmanabhan, winding up a four-day visit to Nepal, says: ‘‘The time for action has come. But the Army is not the body to take a decision in this regard. The decision will be taken by the entire nation.’’
• Government moves to mount diplomatic offensive. Heads of missions abroad being told to apprise host countries of ‘‘Pak designs.’’ Foreign missions in New Delhi too are being briefed. Jaswant Singh calls off 12-day visit to Kenya, Tanzania and Mauritius.
• International condemnation of the Jammu attack. China, Russia, Germany, Japan and European Union reach out to India.

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While Pak-bashing, including the threat of a military strike, can be expected to be the main theme of tomorrow’s slated discussion on the Jammu attack, the Government’s main objective appears to be to resume its coercive diplomacy against Pakistan on the terrorism issue with an eye on September’s assembly elections in J&K.

Official sources said the overriding concern today is to create conditions for peaceful polls and to ensure the participation of as many separatist groups as possible, for which back channel negotiations are on.

The Government’s moves should, therefore, be seen against this backdrop as it reactivates diplomatic and track two circles to pressurise Pakistan into restraining terrorist groups so that violence drops before the polls.

Official sources maintained that as part of the pressure tactics, there will be no letup in the level of military preparadeness along the border although there have been internal discussions on redeploying some of the troops for internal security operations in the runup to the polls.

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Government circles see the forthcoming elections as a possible turning point for Kashmir, particularly since Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has agreed to move out of the State before the polls. The package that is being discussed is to make him Vice President and PMO aides have already tapped opposition circles, including the Congress, on this.

Abdullah’s shift to Delhi will ennable the Government to hold elections under Governor’s rule, giving it the necessary flexiblity to negotiate with separatist groups. Among the inducements being discussed to rope in these groups are permission for independent observers to monitor the election process.

In fact, the National Conference (NC) itself, under the leadership of Omar Abdullah who will replace his father as president before the elections, is likely to raise the demand.

Armitage next in line?

New Delhi: An increasingly wary Washington is set to step up its shuttle diplomacy and is expected to send Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage to New Delhi soon, sources said here today.

Especially since Asst Secy of State Christina Rocca’s recent visit, coinciding with the Jammu attack, did little to cool tempers. Meanwhile, a written statement from President Bush condemned the attack saying it was aimed at ‘‘destroying opportunities for South Asia to build a future that is more stable, peaceful and more prosperous.

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’’ We will not allow terrorists to succeed in this mission, he said, adding: ‘‘The US will not yield in its determination to work with the people of South Asia to fight terrorism.’’ ENS & Agencies

The forthcoming elections were the focus of discussions with US Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca.

Rocca was briefed on the Government’s fears that Pakistan will do its best to disrupt the poll process by stepping up terrorist violence in the months ahead. Government circles reeled out figures to her to drive home the point.

According to official assessments, the number of terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir over the

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past two and a half months is much higher this year than for the corresponding period last year.

Six hundred attacks are reported to have taken place in March and April, leading to as many deaths. And in the first 15 days of May, the figure has alrady touched 100 with an estimated 170 deaths.

It was emphasised to Rocca that Pakistan must restrain terrorist groups in J&K and stop cross border infiltration so that the democratic process can continue undisturbed in Jammu and Kashmir.