It is also difficult to be perpetually prepared for such an eventuality as it means considerable expenditure, both in terms of manpower and equipment.There is a large segment of opinion in favour of crossing the LoC. Why don't we finish it off, once and for all, people have been asking. If 1965 and 1971 are any indication, both the Pakistani and Indian Army are not capable of finishing each other.

The Pakistani intrusion into Kargil has hurt our pride. It has raised our hackles. Unfortunately, emotions cannot win wars. In dealing with Pakistan, we have to use our head, not our heart. Kargil is only a short-term question. The greater question is Pakistan. We have to deal with this question calmly, without letting our emotions dictate a solution.

In the long term, a military solution to Kargil, Kashmiror even Pakistan is not possible. We must devise a solution that will make it impossible for Pak to support its army and terrorism. This can be done if we take on Pakistan where it hurts it the most -- economically.

We could bleed Pakistan economically by starting an arms race with it. We could start by strengthening our Army and the Air Force. Pakistan will bleed to death if it tries to match this.

At the same time, we could save on defence by shelving such duds as the Arjun tank and the LCA. Remember, pragmatism above pride. I would suggest giving up Siachen and holding a defence line south of the snow line. Let Pakistan have the pleasure of occupying a snowy glacier.

As told to Nanda Dabhole-Kasabe