The tensions between the two nuclear armed nations continue to mount. The latest statement by Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee has led many in Pakistan question whether it implies that New Delhi has not ruled out military action against Pakistan. While the resolution passed at the APC affirms support to the government and the armed forces in case of foreign aggression, it strongly condemns the Mumbai terrorist attacks, calls for good neighbourly relations with India and favours a constructive engagement with it. What is important is that the resolution was unanimously passed by all political and religious parties in the country. It is now for the Indian side to decide whether to listen to saner people in their country who advise acting in a measured manner or succumb to the pressure of a section of its war mongering media and politicians who demand action. The Indian government is currently under pressure all the more so in view of the coming elections in a number of states followed by general elections in summer next year. Will it fall to the temptation of yielding to adventurism for short-term political gains even if it causes long-term losses for economy and suffering to the people? The rhetoric in India is much restrained as compared to 2002. In Pakistan there are more supporters of peace than before. However even moderates in India are demanding under the heat of the moment real action. There demands for air attack on the Lashkar-e-Taiba, now christened Jamaat-ud-Daawa, headquarters. India needs to resist the temptation as it can lead to a chain of disastrous consequences for both countries. This is precisely what those who conducted the attacks want What is at stake are gains made in the peace process starting in 2004 and broadened this year to include cooperation against terror groups, leading to hopes of resolution of long standing disputes. It remains to be seen if the situation can be defused through US diplomacy, starting with the arrival of Condoleezza Rice. India wants straightaway handing over of some twenty persons that it has accused of terrorism over the years. Pakistan has promised to take action provided conclusive evidence is provided. This has yet to be done. One can understand the strong reaction in India to the terror attacks. Mumbai is India's financial capital, the centre of its film industry and one of its major cities. The two hotels targeted by the terrorists were the haunts of the Indian top business class, politicians, and tourists. Most of all the attacks led to the killing of over 170 innocent people. The issue has been internationalised on account of 19 foreigners who were among the killed. The attacks have led to a chorus of worldwide denunciation. Demands for an enquiry and punishment for those behind the attack are being made outside India also. A probe needs to be urgently conducted, and this has to be thorough and transparent. A number of issues have to be clarified and doubts removed. Indian and American media have hinted at Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad being the prime suspects. Pakistan government on the other hand holds unnamed non-state elements responsible. There have been hints that Al-Qaeda might have been behind the attacks. But where did the nine attackers come from? Did they have any connection with the two organisations being named? Is any state agency, or elements within it, involved in the attacks? Washington too wants a probe, "letting the evidence lead where it may", as Condoleezza Rice has put it. She has also called for "absolute transparency." The demand was repeated by a State Department deputy spokesman a day before she was to land in New Delhi. India and Pakistan have to cooperate to make the probe reliable. India should agree to a joint investigation commission as proposed by Foreign Minister Qureshi. Allegations alone are not enough. India has to present whatever evidence it claims it has in its possession. Whatever has been leaked out to the press is flimsy. Indian security agencies relying on the evidence extracted from the lone surviving terrorist are not yet sure whether the name of the man is Kasab, Kasav, or Iman. The RAW tapes of phone calls allegedly made by terrorists from high seas to their commanders in Pakistan too need to be verified. If the spy agency had these tapes why did these not lead to better protective arrangements for Mumbai, all the more so in view of earlier American tips? It is in the interest of both India and Pakistan to hold a thorough enquiry. Meanwhile media on both sides should avoid promoting jingoism. E-mail: azizuddin@nation.com.pk