Author: TNN
Publication: The Times of India
Date: February 6, 2010
The Congress ledership is keeping a safe distance from the government's move
to bring Pakistan back to the negotiating table. The Congress Working Committee,
which met here on Friday, refrained from discussing the initiative which is
seen as the first step towards resumption of composite dialogue stalled in
the wake of 26/11 attack on Mumbai.
Always a politically fraught issue, ties with
Pakistan have become even more sensitive because of Islamabad's reluctance
to crack down on jihadi groups targeting India. Yet, sources said the issue
has not been discussed so far even once at the Core Group, the highest decision-making
body of the party. That would make the move for foreign secretary-talks seem
purely a government business.
The party would like it that way as the strategic
aloofness can firewall it against the adverse fallout of any terror attack-a
real possibility, according to Indian as well as global sleuths-when the government
is talking peace with Pakistan. That the party leadership will prefer caution
to bold diplomatic manoeuvres with Pakistan is a known secret. Sources stress
that for the restoration of normalcy in ties to happen, Pakistan ought to
sincerely try to bring the 26/11 masterminds to book. The PMO, however, sees
profit in re-engagement, and hopes that the dialogue, besides undercutting
the perception of India being unreasonable, can be used to nudge Pakistan
to act against terror groups.
The gap between the two sides was evident
when the party washed its hands off the illfated Sharm el-Sheikh joint statement.
The fiasco and the bedlam that it caused back home has enhanced the premium
on prudence. That is why the party is expected to keep an eye on happenings
even as it stays aloof.
