Congress hardens stance on terror

In what looked to be a hardening of the Congress position vis-a-vis Pakistan and the terror infrastructure it had let loose against India, Congress President Sonia Gandhi invoked Indira Gandhi's name to suggest that she was their inspiration and obliquely hinted that like Indira, they would act tough against those who conspired against them.

Stating that India's patience should not be seen as their weakness, Gandhi told congress workers that those who are abetting, protecting and actively encouraging terrorism from across the border will get a befitting reply. She said Indira Gandhi was their inspiration. This could open a new chapter for all those who read between the lines as Indira Gandhi had been the tough leader who attacked Pakistan and emerged victorious.

This refrain was carried furthur by the government with Union External Affairs Minister

Pranab Mukherjee insisting that all options are open on dealing with terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Mukherjee said nobody should think that India is "helpless" and asserted that the menace would be confronted with "courage and fortitude".

Nobody should think that this country is helpless and cannot tackle the situation arising out of terrorism," Mukherjee said.

"I repeat all options are open," he added at the conclave which was attended by Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

In a veiled attack on the opposition parties which have accused the Congress-led government of soft-pedalling terrorism for minority appeasement, he said, "I must utter a word of caution, if not warning, for those elements which try to misrepresent this issue.... (who say) that this act concerns a particular religion."