Tension between Pakistan and India

A MONTH since the Mumbai attacks, tension between India and Pakistan is not abating. While the war hysteria drummed up in the media on both sides has subsided, it would be a mistake to write off the possibility of conflict. In fact, with two of the world’s largest armies on both sides of the border, conflict is always a possibility — the key is to minimise that possibility at all times. At the moment a dangerous stalemate seems to be developing: India wants Pakistan to act against militants on the basis of circumstantial and political evidence that has convinced the international court of public opinion; Pakistan is demanding proof that will stand up in a court of law. The Pakistani position has some merit; after all, convictions on the basis of scanty or faulty evidence are often overturned by the superior judiciary on appeal. Moreover, Ajmal Kasab’s confessions while in police custody cannot be used in even Indian courts because of laws that prohibit the use of statements that may have been elicited under coercion.The two countries must find a middle ground however. The Mumbai attacks underlined the need for inter-state cooperation on anti-terrorism measures. The subject is part of the eight baskets of the five-year-old composite dialogue, now put on hold by India. A joint framework for dealing with terrorism cases such as Mumbai can address the legal, technical and political issues that currently inhibit cooperation. India should reconsider its stance on the composite dialogue and both countries must work with more urgency to develop an anti-terrorism framework. For its part, Pakistan must understand that a purely legalistic, technical response to the Mumbai attacks will not wash. Nor will superficial measures against the Jamaatud Dawa and affiliated groups impress the outside world, particularly India and the US. There are two distinct issues here: one, to find and prosecute all those who may have been involved in the Mumbai attacks; two, to uproot the jihadi networks that nurtured the individuals responsible. A firm effort by the Pakistan state to address the latter issue will go some way to reducing the tension on our eastern border, and buy time for India and Pakistan to find a way of bringing those involved in the Mumbai attacks to justice. Failing that, we will remain in dangerous uncharted territory. Memories of past Indian restraint will push its government to do something more this time; national pride may force Pakistan to retaliate. The losers will be the people of both countries.