Anti-terror mechanism may be wound up if it fails

If the joint mechanism between India and Pakistan to tackle terrorism does not produce results, then New Delhi will have to think of winding it up, reliable sources said on Monday.

They said the idea behind setting up of the group was that New Delhi would sit face to face with those 'hands-on people' who deal with the situation in Islamabad, to try and track elements in Pakistan who foment trouble in India.

There would be a structured dialogue on the issue and detailed exchange of information, which cannot be brushed aside lightly unlike in the past.

The sources said the decision to set up the mechanism should be seen in the context of commitments made in the joint statement by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pervez Musharraf in Havana.

The two leaders had referred to the joint statement made by the leaders of both countries in January 2004 and Pakistan's commitment not to encourage terrorist violence from its soil.

The sources said it was felt it was time for both sides to put their position on paper on the issue of terrorism as Pakistan also claims it was a victim of terrorism.

However, they did not agree with the view that there had been a shift in India's stand on this issue. On apprehensions about the efficacy of the mechanism, the sources said if it failed to deliver results, then the option was there to wind it up.

They said the idea to establish the mechanism was entirely India's and no fingers had been pointed at New Delhi for inciting terrorism.