Times of India Editorial appeared on June 29, 1999

When a mature democratic country faces external aggression, all political parties sink their differences and join together to reassure the men and women who are risking their lives for the national cause that they have the total support of the nation. Today the Indian armed forces are battling in a terrain under conditions unprecedented in history. There is a wave of emotional integration sweeping the country as our TV screens show the instances of supreme sacrifice made by men in the prime of their lives. All political parties have also pledged to hold national security above party politics even as the country is to face an election in the next ten weeks. At the same time, the divisions among the parties are also prominently visible. One can justifiably argue that some differences can be kept aside to be discussed at a later date after the campaign is over, but there are other issues on which the present government has to take decisions and a national consensus needs to be built. The US involvement in the Kargil issue has generated a controversy in the country. The nature and extent of restraint to be exercised by our armed forces have come in for criticism. There are concerns about the nuclear factor among large sections of our citizens. Internationalisation of the Kashmir issue has become a dirty phrase in our lexicon. The likely economic consequences of this limited war have been subjected to restricted debate.

These are all matters related to the exercise of the sovereignty of the country on which decisions cannot be postponed. While constitutionally and technically, the government must tackle these issues, it would make sound logic -- and for a healthy precedent -- if the government were to develop an institutionalised arrangement to keep all other parties fully informed on these issues, brief them continuously on developments, and seek their advice. Whether it is dealing with the US on its attitude to Kashmir or with the Pakistani leadership through back-channel communications, educating the public on the economics of short, limited wars or on the nuclear factor, the government will benefit if it is seen to be making efforts to carry other parties along on matters relating to the nation's sovereignty at a time when there is no Parliament. Such an approach will reduce unnecessary controversies, provide feedback to the government on popular attitudes and concerns, and help the government arrive at decisions taking into account the full range of considerations involved. The Prime Minister has had two all-party meetings on this issue in the past four weeks. Serious consideration must be given to institutionalising this process by having consultations once a week with provision for urgent consultations if and when they become necessary. In doing this, the nation will be embarking upon a more democratic, participatory and consensual form of governance on vital national issues. It will send a powerful message to our armed forces -- of united national support -- and to our adversaries on our solidarity. In the process, the nation will be better informed. Our political parties will also be oriented to think more constructively on national policies rather than opposing decisions for opposition sake.