Restraint needed

Sir,- Raja Mohan's advice to the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, `Think positive, Mr. Vajpayee' (Oct. 25), is timely and balanced. There is no need for India to feel upstaged by Pakistan's apparent closeness to the U.S. In reality, this is a kiss of death to those in Pakistan who have supported the Taliban and the terrorists.

Pakistan's options were severely curtailed after the September 11 attacks in the U.S. In addition, there was international condemnation of the attack on the Jammu and Kashmir Secretariat and the killing of innocent people. While it is for India to repulse and prevent incursions, there is no need to chase the terrorists beyond the Line of Control and provoke a panic reaction from Pakistan.

Refraining from taking action will be in our own overall interest, as it will weaken the argument that India is the aggressor. This is an opportune moment for India to adopt a policy of restraint, especially in the use of rhetoric.

Vasantha Surya,

Chennai

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