Proceed with caution: Opposition

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 15. The Vajpayee Government today received the total backing of political parties across the spectrum in its effort to counter terrorism in the wake of the recent attacks in the U.S. However, the Opposition suggested that the Government exercise caution in dealing with the situation as national security was involved. Mr. Vajpayee assured the leaders that whatever decisions the Government took would be in the ``national interest.''

At the two-hour meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, the leaders were informed that there was no formal request from the U.S. for the use of Indian bases to carry out military strikes in the region. He refrained from elaborating in view of the ``sensitive nature'' of the issue. In his concluding remarks, he is believed to have told the gathering that whatever be the nature of the American request, the Indian response would be dictated ``by our national interests.''

The Opposition was united on offering base facilities to the U.S. But, the CPI(M) said in a written statement that it strongly opposed the Government's move to offer logistical facilities and participate in the proposed U.S. military action. ``We have reiterated this position clearly again in the meeting.''

The meeting began with the leaders observing a two- minute silence in the memory of those killed in the attacks in New York and Washington. It also decided to commemorate September 18 as the National Solidarity Day against terrorism and observe a two- minute silence at 10.30 a.m. on that day.

`Keep live contact'

Later, briefing correspondents, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Mr. Pramod Mahajan, said the Prime Minister had urged the leaders to maintain ``live contact'' with him and other leaders, instead of forming their opinion on India's stand on the basis of media reports. Mr. Vajpayee was available for responding to any doubt or query which could not be replied to in such a meeting.

CCS reviews situation

PTI reports:

The Cabinet Committee on Security is understood to have reviewed the situation arising out of the terrorist attacks.

The meeting, chaired by Mr. Vajpayee, was attended among others by the Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani, and the External Affairs and Defence Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh.

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