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Delhiites smell war

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI JUNE 1. The international community may be appealing for restraint, but it appears that the war rhetoric in India is finding support among a majority of Delhiites who believe that India "must go to war to stop cross-border terrorism''.

According to a survey conducted by Shyam Vyas MARC Private Limited, almost 80 per cent of the respondents believe it is only a matter of time before India crosses the Line of Control. An overwhelming majority of the respondents -- 98 per cent agree that Pakistan has been exposed as a breeding ground for terrorism and 93 per cent agree that terrorism in India is supported by Pakistan -- believe it is time for immediate action.

And this immediate action, 67 per cent of respondents agree, should be in the form of war that has become "important to put an end to the cross-border terrorism''. Continuing on the same note, more than three-fourths -- 77 per cent - of those contacted agree that they would like India to take immediate and concrete military action.

An overwhelming majority also concede that military action by India would elicit a response from Pakistan, thus leading to a full-scale war between the two countries. One out of every three respondents also believes that war may well turn into a nuclear conflict. This belief in a military solution is despite the fact that most respondents -- 90 per cent -- believe that Delhi would be a "primary target'' of Pakistan's nuclear bombs or missiles. This comes with the acknowledgment -- 68 per cent -- that Indian cities are not prepared adequately for a nuclear conflict. In terms of cities most likely to be attacked in the event of Indo-Pak nuclear conflict, Mumbai and Delhi figured as the most vulnerable spots.

About three-fourths of the respondents feel that Indian cities are not prepared adequately for a nuclear conflict and 82 per cent would like India to prepare defence of Indian cities against Pakistan nuclear threats or attacks.

As far as leadership goes, three-fourths of the respondents were of the opinion that Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, is the "right man at the right time to be in the Prime Minister's chair''. As an alternate preference, Sonia Gandhi came in a poor second with only 9 per cent choosing her.

Forty-five per cent approve of the way the Indian Government has so far reacted to the crisis, while 38 per cent disapprove. Even the Opposition's response has been viewed as favourable. However, 76 per cent would like all political parties to formulate a common national policy to deal with Pakistan.

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