RECENT LY, the Indian government sacked three Indian air force of ficials for accidentally firing a nuclear-capable, land-attack cruise missile, BrahMos, into Pakistani territory. It was startling to learn of the flaws in the Indian nuclear command authority. It took only three persons to launch strategic weapons that had the potential to annihilate the whole region. This weak command and control system of strategic weapons is a real and serious concern for neighbouring countries as well as the world at large.

The Philippines, purchasing the BrahMos missile, should also consider this malfunction in the system that led to the `accidental`launch. The Indian government f ailed to answer some basic questions regarding the launch of the missile into Pakistan. It also does not address the security measures essential for the future safety of strategic weapons. What would happen if, God forbid, some other set of `three personnel` repeat the same mistake? And if it has a warhead, that, too, a nuclear one, the consequences of the `mistake` could be far from imagination.

A strict and robust control and command system of strategic weapons is indispensable for preventing any mishandling of the weapons and for the security of the region as well as the country of its origin. Accidental launching of a missile is not a mistake that can be ignored and forgotten. India owes further explanation to the world and Pakistan if it is sincere in preventing any future `accidental`launch.

On the other hand, Pakistan should also consider the fact that the missile was not intercepted immediately and flew around for three minutes inside Pakistani territory.

The presence of an aggressive and irresponsible neighbour like India means the armed forces should take effective measures to counter any misadventure in the future.The restraint shown by Pakistan is really commendable, but India may one day have to pay dearly for testing the patience of a nuclear state that is in its neighbourhood.

Muhammad Ahsan Fareed Muzaf f argarh