NEW DELHI: President Musharraf's decision to clamp emergency in Pakistan has been on the cards for some time.
It has not come as a surprise for India. In fact, the expectation was that the General will declare martial rule, that he has not done so is probably in deference to Washington's wishes.
Instability in Pakistan is a matter of concern for India. Nobody knows yet about the fall out of Musharraf's gamble.
It could lead to further deterioration in the security situation and spread Islamic terror from the north west frontier province across the country to Kashmir.
“A fire in your neighbours house can engulf your own house. This is a watershed in
Pakistan's history.
From now on democracy cannot be restored through the usual means and elections but through violence and bloodshed. This is a catastrophe for the subcontinent,” said analyst and former foreign service officer B Melkulangara.
In fact the situation is serious enough for PM Manmohan Singh to discuss the fall out with external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee soon after news of the President's action came in. India is expected to regret the imposition of emergency and call for the return to democracy.
“Uncertainty in Pakistan is bad for India. The President's action may lead to greater instability. We don't know yet if army can control the fall out of the emergency. It is likely to result in more violence,” says SD Muni, of the Observer
Research Foundation.
“India should issue a strong statement and not a wishy washy waffled version.” Muni explained. He said that there were many sections within the Indian establishment who believe that a failed Pakistani state was good for India.
