Ex-envoys seek tough measures against Pakistan

Ten former Indian ambassadors, including four former foreign secretaries, who met at the Observer Research Foundation on Thursday have issued a statement that 'the 26/11 Mumbai attacks were clearly carried out by terrorists from Pakistan with the knowledge and support of sections of the Pakistan military and the ISI.'

The statement further said that, 'Pakistan has taken no meaningful action and sought to obfuscate its responsibility under international law and oft stated solemn commitments given to India and the international community that its territory will not be allowed to be used for terrorism against India.'

It also adds, 'But the reality is that Pakistan continues to use terrorism as an instrument of State policy. People of India are angry and want decisive action against Pakistan sponsored terrorism. Past experience shows that pressure from the international community does not go beyond exhortations and platitudes. India will have to deal with the threat coming from Pakistan essentially on its own. The people of India want the government to take decisive action within a clear timeline to put an end to this menace.'

The statement is endorsed by diplomats like M Rasgotra, A N Ram, K Raghunath, Lalit Mansingh, Arjun Asrani, Kanwal Sibal, Arundhati Ghose, Kuldip Sahdev, Ishrat Aziz and Dilip Lahiri.

The veterans of Indian diplomacy have recommended the following to the Indian government:

• Suspend bilateral negotiations and dialogue mechanisms with Pakistan.
• Discontinue state assisted cultural, sporting and other exchanges.
• Consider restricting defence procurement from countries/ companies which henceforth contract to supply defence materials to Pakistan.
• Review existing treaties and agreements with Pakistan.
• Consider specific economic measures against Pakistan.
• In the absence of positive action by Pakistan, consider reducing/downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan.