Politic-Economic-Society-Tech

India ups the ante, recalls envoy
HT Correspondent

New Delhi on Friday announced the recall of its High Commissioner in Islamabad saying Pakistan had failed to act against the terrorist groups behind the December 13 attacks.
Railway and bus services between the two countries have also been called off with effect from New Year's Day.

An MEA spokesperson said the "complete lack of concern on Pakistan's part and its continued promotion of cross-border terrorism" prompted New Delhi's decision.

"We have seen no attempts on Pakistan's part to take action," she said.

The last Samjhauta Express and Delhi-Lahore bus will cross the international border on December 31. "The extended time is being given so as to enable citizens of the two countries, who have travelled recently, to use these services to return home".

In an unprecedented response, Islamabad said that it would not recall its High Commissioner in New Delhi. Pakistan High Commissioner Ashraf Jehangir Qazi said he reacted to India's decision with 'disappointment' and the Pakistani Foreign Office said it regretted India's move.

With High Commissioner Vijay Nambiar's recall, his deputy, Sudhir Vyas, will head the mission in Islamabad. Sources said the Islamabad mission would be downsized over the next few days.

The sources added that the Pakistan government would also be asked to cut down its diplomatic presence here. A list of 67 Pakistan High Commission officials, of the total strength of 125, has reportedly been drawn up. Diplomatic privileges will be withdrawn from them in due course.

In legal terms, the Indian move amounts to "scaling down" its diplomatic presence in Pakistan. Such a step -- taken against China in 1962 and Fiji in 1983 -- is meant to convey displeasure and a disinclination to deal with a country at a full-fledged sovereign level. This is the first time since 1965 that India has recalled its envoy in Islamabad.

The move is also being seen as a signal to the international community that the situation is coming to a boil in the region and that they should persuade Pakistan to rein in militants operating out of its territory.

Sources say the decision, taken by the political core of the CCS, was one of the options suggested by South Block a few days ago.

Does this mean war?

Not necessarily. India is sending a strong warning to Islamabad and the world that it is prepared to go beyond diplomacy. But this is still a diplomatic measure, though a drastic one.

How will the US react?

US fears of a South Asian conflagration will increase. India wants the US to pressure Pak to lock up Lashkar, Jaish. Pak hopes US will tell India to back off. US trying to strike a fine balance.

Has this been done before?

India and Pakistan recalled envoys during 1965 war. Pak snapped diplomatic ties in 1971 but over India's recognition of Bangladesh, not the war. The two maintained full relations during Kargil.

source: Hindustan Times, 21 Dec 2001