THE continuous maligning of Pakistan by India after the unfortunate Mumbai attacks has brought the relations of the two countries to a breaking point. As tensions escalate, Pakistan's eastern border has come under pressure. Consequently it has put its army and air force on high alert. This has been done after a two hour long meeting between the President, Prime Minister and COAS. Unless good sense prevails in New Delhi, the armies of the two countries might within days be in an eyeball to eyeball confrontation. India no doubt passed through a 62 hour long trauma when Mumbai, the financial hub of the country, came under terror attacks leaving nearly two hundred dead. This was naturally a big shock for the Indian leadership. One had expected that New Delhi would react to the horror realistically which it has failed to do. One can understand that the attacks have serious political ramifications for the Congress led ruling alliance. The opposition is accusing the government of being lax on terrorism and prone to security lapses. The pressure has led to the resignation of Home Minister Shivraj Patil who has accepted moral responsibility for the attacks. To save its skin the Congress led government has taken to saber rattling. This was totally uncalled for as baseless accusations followed by threats can only undo whatever efforts have gone into building bridges between the two countries. The leadership in Pakistan is committed to improving relations between the two countries. As President Zardari has put it any increase in Indo-Pakistan tensions would be a victory for the extremists. Pakistan's political and military leadership have assured New Delhi of full cooperation in unveiling those responsible for Mumbai attacks and prompt action against anyone found guilty. The olive branch extended by Islamabad should be accepted. There is a need on Dr Manmohan Singh's part to pay heed to what saner elements in India have said about the attacks. Former National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra has conceded that there was no proof that Islamabad had any direct role in the attacks. Former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal has warned India against any misadventure. Similarly well-known security analyst K Subrahmanyam has suggested that a primary motive for the attacks could well have been a desire to wreck the peace process launched by India and Pakistan in January 2004. It would be highly unwise on the part of India to succumb to the warmongers' lobby. The Saturday meeting of India's army, navy and air force chiefs has sent a negative message. There is a need for the West also to make New Delhi realize the danger of a military conflict between the two neighbors armed with nuclear weapons. Pakistan should meanwhile reinforce its eastern border by withdrawing troops committed in the tribal areas.