And even a cursory look at Pakistan, does not instill confidence. Just look at the attack on Farooq Abdullah and the Srinagar airport. There is, in contrast, a relative tranquillity along the line of control. In fact, Defence Minister George Fernandes told me recently that peace along the LOC and also in the Valley induces optimism. Army Chief Padmanabhan said as much in a TV interview and recommended that the ceasefire be extended beyond the January 26 deadline.
Military sources indicate that only troops brought in for exercises have been withdrawn.
But too much is not being made of the extent of withdrawal. There was some interest in the Hurriyat, singly or in a delegation, visiting Pakistan to see how militancy can be reined in on the other side. If I read my sources right, I believe there was a strong group within the establishment not averse to their visit. But the manner in which both the Hurriyat and their interlocutors played up the passport issue clearly upset even the prime minister who is otherwise so well disposed towards establishing peace with Pakistan. The result is that New Delhi is now, more than ever, resolved to giving other non-Hurriyat formations in the Valley, greater play.