World

India to retaliate in case of Mumbai-style attacks

Indian Minister for State Defence says it would be hard to justify self restraint if there was another provocation.

Reuters June 05, 2011

SINGAPORE: India will feel pressured to retaliate if Pakistan-based militants launched an attack similar to the Mumbai assaults that killed more than 160 people and fueled anger across the country, India's Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju said on Saturday.

Raju claimed that the Indian government's response was restrained despite the public calls to hit back over the November 2008 attacks blamed on a Pakistan-based guerrilla group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), but it would be difficult to withstand the pressure again.

"If a provocation is to happen again, it would be hard to justify to our people self restraint, and I hope that it will not be repeated and that we will have a constructive dialogue with Pakistan in containing these terrorist elements which are causing strife not only in India but also within Pakistan," Raju said.

Ties between the nuclear-armed rivals went into deep chill following the attacks with India insisting that Pakistan act against members of the LeT blamed for the attacks as well as its patrons in Pakistan's powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency.

Pakistan has put seven people on trial, and says it needs more evidence from India to prosecute others including the founder of the LeT, Hafeez Mohammad Sayeed.

Raju said revelations made by a Pakistani-American who has confessed to scouting targets for the Mumbai attacks in a trial in Chicago in which he linked the attacks to the ISI have made it harder to show restraint in future.

The Pakistani-American, David Headly, who has pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty, testified that he took orders from both the Lashkar-e-Taiba, and an ISI major as he laid the groundwork in the attacks.

"The international community is aware of the damning evidence that has come out from David Headley during his interrogation," Raju told the conference in Singapore.

India and Pakistan this year resumed peace talks but have made little progress because of lack of trust.

COMMENTS (52)

harkol | 12 years ago | Reply @Bilal I am not trying to rub your nose down the dirt. I have full sympathies with Pakistani Civil society. But, I just hope Civil society will raise up and get civilians to control the army, instead of other way around. You mistook my comments as a call to war. Most Indians won't support any war talk, they are too worried about their own poverty. What I said was India will have a better reason than US to attack, not that it should or would. In fact, it won't attack pakistan for acts of terrorism (irrespective of all gas emitted by its army folks). Army doesn't control India, and civilian govt. won't spend a few billion dollars on a war, which could be better used to build roads and schools. About 9/11 - you just repeated what I was saying. US didn't attack Afghanistan because 9/11 attackers were Afghani. It was because Afghanistan hosted and refused to eliminate the folks who plotted and executed 9/11. You don't attack a nation for the act of a few citizens. But, when a nation keeps defying world community, refuses to act against terrorists and conitnues to host them in comfort world community will decide to clean up the swamp itself. And such actions will happen under the aegis of UN sanction as happened in Afghanistan. Pakistan too is hosting terrorists (World known fact) who are executing terror acts on foreign soil, and Pakistan too can come under attack like Afghanistan - even if no Pakistani was involved in the attack itself. So, it runs the danger of a combined action on all fronts, and result may be disasterous (considering the nukes). Only a mad man would want such an outcome. Dr. Saleem Siddiqi: No one can under estimate the stupidity of Pakistan Army. It is feared by all. That's why it is feared even by US. Even though It has lost each of the wars it has fought, and it has made Pakistan the mess it is today, it is still a strong force and lords over all policy and budgets of Pakistan. My note wasn't about the strengths in any armed conflict, my point was Pakistan will attract foreign action - not necessarily overt war - within its territory from folks who are troubled by terror acts by elements from within its territory. Most of the stuff you say about Pakistan's greatness - I agree. I just hope it gets to keep that greatness instead of going down the tube like it is doing right now. USSR too was a powerful country once, it followed stupid overspending on militaristic policy and broke up. A country can't sustain 6% GDP spend on Army, perpetually borrowing money to finance the army.

G. Din | 12 years ago | Reply @bilal: "...planning to get married soon as possible and have a normal child." You go ahead, my friend: Get married and have your child. Here is an Indian sending you his best blessings. Every one is entitled to as much of bliss as he/she is willing to allow others!

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bilal | 12 years ago | Reply @harkol.. no Afghani was was involved in 911.. Al-Qaida originated from the Arab world. with your logic US should have attacked Saudi Arab or Egypt, because these rogue elements were from there. they were not even in Pakistan until they were bombed in Afghanistan and they fled to Pakistan and we are fighting them, they are not our guests, like they were for Talibans. Pakistan also have plenty of reasons to speak against India. Currently, you are in a position to make such comments, we are not, since we are already in deep trouble, and the world does not understand our situation, they will call it a gimmick. but, If you really are planning a war??? we will see when the bridge is crossed, we are nuclear, you are nuclear, both are well withing each others missiles range and when that happens, most of us will not be here to comment on ET, either dead or lying in hospitals, taking anti-radiation drugs. i personally feel big events will be happening in coming 18 months(and not the pleasant ones). planning to get married soon as possible and have a normal child.

Vinayak | 12 years ago | Reply @Siddique: Agree with you 100 %. We have seen with the naval base attack, that terrorists do not wish well for Pakistan. They do not like India either. Now they will have ideas of starting a Indo-Pak war.

R S JOHAR | 12 years ago | Reply @Mark: Appreciate your unbiased and meaningful analysis. India has no intention to attack Pakistan but this country must come out of its self-destruction mode of hobnobbing with the terrorists and using it as a state tool for making political gains with its neighbours. This ill-concieved policy has now misfired like a scud missile which had veered off its course, hitting Pakistan itself. Unfortunately, there are no signs so far that this policy would be shunned soon.

Mark | 12 years ago | Reply For a moment, disregard the past, if you can. The statement had a purpose that was not meant to cause a verbal fight with Pakistan. I know I'll get negative responses to that. After all, I am technically speaking of paranoid oversensitivity to begin with. It was a statement pointed towards the "bigger picture" of politics and world relations. It's not from a belief that Pakistan will attack soon. It's a contingency plan of sorts. It means, that if that attack occurs, they will retaliate and nobody will be able to blame miscommunication or ignorance for the mess. It's a message to the world: "we don't want to attack but, if we're given a reason to attack, we will." Also, because it's preemptive, it means that if a fight breaks out, they will not be viewed by the world as the bad guys. With that warning in existence, the blame game won't be able to be played and the world will view an attack as "Pakistan has been told this and has ignored it so they are the clear instigator with the intention of unnecessarily causing a large-scale conflict." That may sound bad. But, don't think negatively of India for doing it. You're interested in your safety, they're interested in theirs. It's a strategic move that tightens their own security from a world-wide view while at the same time, not harming anyone. And with all the random groups and threats happening in your area of the world... It's a very smart move, too. In the end, unless you intend to attack, it's completely insignificant. It's also inherently neutral, as it wasn't primarily directed at Pakistan. It was directed at the ears of their own concerned citizens. Obvious or not: I am not from India or Pakistan. I am saying this from an impartial perspective.

Alan | 12 years ago | Reply Pakistanis like to point out that there are daily attacks/murder from Islamic extremists in Pakistan all the time - so why is India so riled up by Mumbai? Think about what would happen if even 1 of the attacks in Pakistan was from Indian Hindu extremists? The whole country would erupt. The Jihadis would march every day and organize for war. In this context, it should be easy to see why the world realizes that India showed great self-restraint after Mumbai. The crux of the conflict in South Asia is the Anti-India and Anti-Hindu hatred drilled into Pakistani minds.

Himanshu Mehta | 12 years ago | Reply The minister should have also known that sleeping dogs seldom bite. The Indian Army was caught sleeping when Kargil happened. It was the Indian Army that advised against launching a punitive action against Pakistan in the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks as it was the service arm most lacking in capability. This is also meant as a rejoinder to the Indian Army chief who only recently gave a soundbite about being capable of taking on pakistan or undertaking an abottabad like operation. It is only the young soldiers on both sides that will die in case of a war even as the ruling class and the services' chiefs take it easy.

Himanshu Mehta | 12 years ago | Reply What a silly comment from the indian minister of state for defence. Warnings can be conveyed subtly and quietly. Going by the comments here, it is clear that both countries have their fair share of loonies who would bomb both countries back to stone age at the first opportunity that presents itself.

narayana murthy | 12 years ago | Reply Many Pakistanis who seem arrogant and in denial mood, need to grow up. If at all, a war breaks out, and god forbid, a nuclear war, then Pakistan will be eliminated, while India will suffer a little. Don't forget, we're a country three times bigger than you are and five times more in population, larger economy and have more friends in this world than enemies. India is not saying that it will attack wantonly. It only said that if a terrorist attack comes from Pakistan. So, why can't you clean your house? Why do you want these OBLs, Zawahiris, Omars, Kashmiris in your backyard (or rather porch)? It's very sad to see that many Pakistanis still in denial about Mumbai attacks. These attacks came from your country. ISI was involved in every stage of the attack. In other words, it could be construed as a declaration of war by a state. And please don't even bring the topic of Hindu terrorists. You know well, what they are capable of and what have they done to your country.

Raza | 12 years ago | Reply The dog that barks... seldom bites

Mr. Saleem Siddiqi | 12 years ago | Reply @harkol: @Thinking: @R S JOHAR: @ashok sai: @Jawahar koul: @king: Notwithstanding that what happened in Mumbai and incapable Indian Aramy, Navy, Maritine Agencies and other Security agencies failed to protect Indian interest, India is just day dreaming to retaliate to hide their weaknesses. Naach na Jaaney Aangan Tera - - - - - I dont want to re-emphasize strength of Pakistan defence if a need arises, it will prove its metal. Pakistan has the seventh largest standing armed force and is the only Muslim-majority nation to possess nuclear weapons. It is designated as a major non-NATO ally of the United States and a strategic ally of China.[13][14] It is a founding member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference[15] and a member of the United Nations,[16] Commonwealth of Nations,[17] Next Eleven economies and the G20 developing nations. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan This is neutral comment which will satisfy you. And if India is still in doubt, they may try their luck - they will find themselves under the load of rubble. Regards Dr. Saleem Siddiqi Johannesburg - South Africa

Porkibasher | 12 years ago | Reply @ crime master gogo... Ok, Done...

Malik | 12 years ago | Reply @Kolsat: just go back to 2005, Pakistan economy was considered best in the region by the WB at the time. and pls don’t forget Rajeev Ghandi, he was also murdered when he was PM. If India is progressing well that is good not only for Indians but also for this whole region. we pray for you friends. @Mark thanks buddy, at least you did not ignore me. and as for as reaction is concerned, i think we dont have right for this privilege. the whole day we hear threats from childish Indian politicians, their immature viewers, Obama and some others. we are getting sick of all this. if India wants to attack Pakistan, why they dont do it, what is holding them back. do once and let us live peacefully. and with respect, pls dont think you are "the whole world". My words were just reaction, but you seriously considering yourself "the whole world".

R S JOHAR | 12 years ago | Reply Its not only India but the whole world is telling Pakistan now, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

Thinking | 12 years ago | Reply @ A - Keep beating your chest my friend. Pakistan's "accomplishments" in the military arena are not exactly glowing. Even when Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests, the yield on the weapons was far below expectation. The attack on PNS Mehran shows that the military is full of corruption and infiltrated by fundamentalists. The US and China are not stupid enough to not be planning an Abbotabad for the moment they truly fear for the safety of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.

A | 12 years ago | Reply @thinking "The US and China will ensure that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is destroyed in seconds" Hahaha get a life dude. We are not discussing Bollywood movies here..

crime master gogo | 12 years ago | Reply to all Self Centered Intellects from india, please get yourselves a LIFE.

Talibani | 12 years ago | Reply WE will break capture pakistan insallah and put sharia law here And then we will deal with india...

Thinking | 12 years ago | Reply Pakistani comments fall into three camps: First: intelligent, open-minded Pakistanis who realize what wrongs their country has committed against its neighbors and its own people. They realize they must kill the terrorists now or see their own country go to ashes. Second: Pakistanis who insist on defraying attention and saying "clean up your own Hindu terrorists". Yes, India has Hindu radicals. Those radicals don't come over to Pakistan and kill innocent people. India is dealing with the problem. Not as effectively as we would like but getting there. Third: Pakistanis who beat their chest and say "Oh just try and attack us." Need you be reminded that with Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, should India not be able to be restrained after a potential Pakistani-built attack on Indian soil, the world will make sure that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is dismantled. The US and China will ensure that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is destroyed in seconds. China is not Pakistan's friend. Saudi Arabia and your "Arab brothers" will be nowhere to be seen. Iran will be more than happy to see Pakistan punished. Cool the talk. Indians have just said "Don't attack us again or there will really be consequences." The big brother has had his hair pulled too many times. The next time, he's going to slap the little brother very hard and the little brother is going to cry like a girl.

Kolsat | 12 years ago | Reply @Malik: You have only gone back 10 years i.e since US started the war on terrorists. India's was a great economy then also while Pakistan's was not. Indian nation was and still is peaceful.Two of Pakistan's elected leaders have been killed by their own people. Liaqat Ali and Bhutto. So do not go criticising India. India has no desire to attack Pakistan and create instability in the region because it will stop it from becoming economically stronger.

harkol | 12 years ago | Reply @Bilal It isn't a question of whether Pakistan (as in govt. of Pakistan) attacks India or not. Afghanistan govt. didn't plan and attack US on 9/11 either. Pakistan will be held responsible for acts of terrorism that repeatedly arise out of its territory. If you can't clean up the swamp, other countries can't keep tolerating the mosquitoes that are being produced in the swamp. They will try to clean it themselves, like US is doing. Others who say over here that India is no US, should also remember that India's stake in getting rid of Islamic terrorism is also more than US. US has had perhaps 3 or 4 Islamic terrorist attacks on it. India has had many. People miss the point when they say, India should re-inforce its border security and intelligence against these operatives. India, being a neighborly country, can't filter 100% of Jihadis. Even a 1% infiltration can wreck havoc. A single mosquito within your net, can still bite you. US is more difficult to penetrate for Pakistan based terrorists, as there are no-shared borders. So, US's stake is much much lesser. India shouldn't retaliate in case of mere terror strikes. This isn't a question of honor as much as pragmatism. However, If such attacks keep continuing there will be a strong reasoning behind taking up a offensive action, even if it'd be a mistake. A weak govt. close to election may be tempted to use offensive action to defend its position. Nations as large as India shouldn't use methods like wars to swat occasional mosquito bites such as Mumbai, though they are devastating and cause immense grief. Provocation for war should be far greater. Huge influx of migrants, massive infiltration into its territory with declaration of proxy war by terrorists (as in Kashmir), enemy grabbing its territory would all be justified and rational causes for war. Bilal is right in one count - India is no US. It won't stupidly spoil its economy on a war that's unnecessary. Pakistan can be economically destroyed if it pursues its current course. Why use Military?

Dr.A.K.Tewari | 12 years ago | Reply Now the entire region is in the grip of war .Pakisan is being grinded between the two mill stones , On its west border , fire arms are being used by so many stake holders ,while on the eastern border, one billion people will continue bombardment through NET and will allow the flow of BLOOD MONEY till the people of Pakistan themselve will not be ready for DEEP SEA burrial of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and to replace it with Secular .democratic , modern , progressive .Pakistan . THE GREAT WAR is on and will continue till the total collapse of Islamic Pakistan . Peace pact with India will be only possible with a secular Pakistan .

Mark | 12 years ago | Reply @Malik: The world laughs at them when they speak up? Since when was Pakistan informed on the reality of how the world works instead of conspiracy theories? The world does not laugh at India, sorry to tell you. I am neither from Pakistan or India and I can say that the reality of the matter is, the world actually see's Pakistan as being childish, paranoid, obsessed, delusional and has a bad case of envy-denial towards India. You actually are more or less viewed as the annoying heckler that feeds off of reactions. So instead of reacting, people just start ignoring you, hoping that you'll finally get tired and shutup for a while.

Siddique | 12 years ago | Reply What a stupid statement on the part of the Indian defense minister? So basically what he is saying is this: Terrorists, if you want a war between India and Pakistan -- and we know they do; they were disappointed when PM Singh showed wisdom in the wake of the Mumbai tragedy of Nov. 2008 -- which could possible a nuclear war and destroy one fifth of humanity and affect almost another similar number -- all you have to do is stage an attack somewhere in India. If I were Indian PM, I would immediately sack this nutcase minister, unless I authorized him to say this to begin with, in which case the people of India and Pakistan better brace for a disaster. What's wrong with the Indian leadership? Are they so weak that they cannot understand the difficulties of a weak and stupid neighbor who made the mistake of playing with fire and is now getting deeply engulfed by that fire --the fire of terrorism? What kind of neighbor are you India? Are you not going to help your 180 million brothers and sisters across the border defeat the cancer of terrorism? Are you instead going to mock their misery and helplessness?

malik | 12 years ago | Reply @Faisal: for your info, if the elections are approaching, you will hear a lot of pro-pak sounds to appease a large segment of muslim population in India. Congress does not want to alienate the muslims in india and that is why, so far not a single one has been arrested for terrorist acts in India.. Only people who been arrested are 6 hindus for terror acts in Samjhauta Express. Police case is very weak according to experts; but they are in jail in some anti-terror law without bail. Even one muslim gets arrested like that, all of India's intellectuals like Mahesh Bhatt and Arundhati Roy will jump up and down. See, India does not even have the courage the hang Kasab who was caught red-handed because Congress does not want to get into the bad books of 14 per cent of population in India !!!

Aamir | 12 years ago | Reply Pakistan will be back on its feet if we get rid of traitors and puppets soon.

Malik | 12 years ago | Reply @Sonu: very naive guy. you even dont know that our economy suffered due to flood and US war on terrorism not your 26/11 or any other date. world knows you much better. the louder you shout the more they laugh. and evidence is the global aid to Pakistan that despite much hue and cry from indian side still flowing. indians should not consider the whole world stupid like themselves. if any country giving you a little more respect than you guys deserve, it is just due to temptations of exploiting the potential of your huge demand, nothing more.

Malik | 12 years ago | Reply @ashok sai: yes friend, go for one time, second time you will not be able to do anything. your govt knows it better thats why they never tried hahahaha.

Malik | 12 years ago | Reply @Pradeep: your PM has not accepted involvement of RAW in Balochistan. what else you needed?

Kashif | 12 years ago | Reply BRING IT ON!!!

Faisal | 12 years ago | Reply Are elections approaching in India?

san | 12 years ago | Reply Raju Ban gaye Gentleman..:P

bilal | 12 years ago | Reply why the hell would Pakistan try to attack india. we have our own problems to tackle, india has given same statement dozen times. what are their plans??? an other false flag operation like mumbai.... that would be a suicide for them... and they will have lot to loose then us.

Pradeep | 12 years ago | Reply @Andrea "It is a proven fact that India is sending criminals via their lackeys in Afghanistan". First off, what you said is just a statement. You have simply not indicated any proof of your statement. If it is indeed what you say is true, why isn't Pakistan raising this issue on international forums? Do you think that if what you said were true, the Pak Govt would be sitting doing nothing?

Andrea | 12 years ago | Reply What about all the terrorist attacks which seem to emanate from India carried out on Pakistani soil? It is a proven fact that India is sending criminals via their lackeys in Afghanistan to cause trouble in Pakistan and then crying to the West that Pak has problems with instability. The real double dealer is the clever Indian intelligence which is causing instability in the region.

Sonu | 12 years ago | Reply @Qasim: You don't know how diplomacy work ..after 26/11 incident..you guys are most hated person around the globe..you got the bad boy image all over world...what is your economy..who is coming to invest in your country...what is the credibility of your country..Without firing a single bullet India has achieved her objective.

FactCheck | 12 years ago | Reply @Jawahar koul: Don't really know under which large rock you have been hiding, partition happened 67 years ago. Move on dude.

king | 12 years ago | Reply @Umayr Masud: For your information pakistani people watch indian channels. There are many videos available. Just watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCQDmD979cA Every pakistani is now aware of hindi/urdu as well as indian culture. Your national language "Urdu" is originated in delhi and lucknow( in India). People even know Hindu culture, pujas. 64years back the entire region was one country called India,

Chilli | 12 years ago | Reply War on Terror only earned bad name for Pakistan. Let us rethink that we are surrounded by nexus of evils.

sharjeel | 12 years ago | Reply @Pragmatist: beware,,,,you could get killed by maoists whilst on street,,,,

ashok sai | 12 years ago | Reply There is absolutely no doubt that India will retaliate against any terrorist attack emanating from Pakistani soil, whole international community knows this. Instead of suffering from frequent migraines, its better to go for one time remedy even if it involves complications.

Umayr Masud | 12 years ago | Reply The problems with indians blaming stuff on us (even though we might have a part) still requires a lot more than what they have shown. Ajmal Qasab is such a weak case .. if you listen to his confession he goes "bhagwan mujhay kabhi maaf nahi karay ga" http://youtu.be/naX7lV3neX0Ajmal kasab pleading to bhagwan at 3:09 With such evidence do you really think india will ever attack Pakistan .. hyperbole and hype only go to a certain level, after that things regress quite rapidly.

Qasim | 12 years ago | Reply To all of those comments from Indian readers above crying for blood; have you seriously considered the consequences. India (and Indians) may want to believe otherwise but it is no USA, which is thousands of miles away but you are just next door. Please do not incite further violence in the name of violence and revenge. It is guaranteed that Pakistan would unleash its arsenal of missiles; “hum nahi yaa tum nahi”.

RhyMe | 12 years ago | Reply Oh Come on...first cleanse your own home of Hindu extremists,racists,killers,terrorists who are of great threat to muslim,christian etc minorities before even trying to expect anything from Pakistan!

HANIF | 12 years ago | Reply it takes brave Heart to act like that.... cowards only talk talk talk.....

Pragmatist | 12 years ago | Reply I along with my friends will take to the streets if nothing is done the next time too ! Enough is enough !!

kamal | 12 years ago | Reply It should not have shown restraint in first instance only.It should have been "hum nahi yaa tum nahi".

Jawahar koul | 12 years ago | Reply The Pakistani government should rest assured that india's power hungry politicians will only make some noise but never deliver any counter punch to Pakistan, however great the provocation from Pakistan be. Jinnah made a very big mistake by creating a separate country for Muslims because had he shown some patience and vision, he should have allowed the undivided India to remain one country because our corrupt congress politicians would have themselves declared Bharat an Islamic Republic in deference to the wishes of around 35 crore Muslims.

arif imran | 12 years ago | Reply why have we allowed the islamic terrorists to use our land to plan,train for & launch attacks on other countries? what is most shocking is that this policy is continuing even today after we've lost over 35,000 of our countrymen.This support & facilitation of islamic radicals will lead us to trouble as we will be held responsible for the deaths that will occur at the hands of the religious extremists who we've funded & protected. our govt. has got to get rid of its policy of supporting islamic fundamentalists.

karim akhtar | 12 years ago | Reply We have to clean up our house ourselves before anyone else gets an excuse to clean it up for us.Our state has consistently supported,funded & protected jihadi terrorists who have wreaked havoc on our country.The islamic extremists have killed nearly 36000 of our people yet our media & govt. still continue to support them. Why is it so difficult for our news anchors & reporters to accept that the people killing us are our muslim brothers who want to take us back to the dark ages.They've brutally murdered salman taseer & shahbaz bhatti already. The pressure by the islamic fanatics forced our weak govt. to take back sherry rehman's bill regarding amendments to the barbaric blasphemy laws. We have to wipe out these islamic fanatics from our society before they get us all killed.

king | 12 years ago | Reply Pak millitary should decide whether they want strategic assests or their country...

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