Political Bureau
Economic Times
Posted on
TitlTough Vajpayee refuses compromise on terrorism Author: Political Bureau Publication: Economic Times DatMonday Oct 15 2001 NEW DELHI Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Sunday dismissed General Pervez Musharraf’s condemnation of October 1 jehadi attack on J&K Assembly, saying it was inadequate. He also warned elements trying to create trouble in the country over the US action against Afghanistan. According to agency reports, Vajpayee who was addressing the national convention of the BJP’s youth wing at Agra launched a frontal asault on Pakistan charging it with changing the definition of terrorism to suit its convenience. Referring to Islamabad’s confession that the October 1 attack on J&K attack was an act of terrorism, Mr Vajpayee asked “but what about other similar incidents?” The tough language Vajpayee used publicly today, perfectly jibed with the firm tone he had used in private when General Pervez Musharraf, apprehensive of an unconventional Indian response and driven to the wall by the West, called up last week to condemn the killing of civilians in the attack on J&K Assembly. It showed his uncompromising stand on the jehadi terrorism, and indicated that Mr Colin Powell’s effort to get India and Pakistan talking may not succeed unless Islamabad promises to stop sponsoring terrorism.” There will be no compromise with terrorism,” he said. In his speech, Vajpayee, signalled his support to the current international effort against terrorism, but called upon the US-led coalition to wipe out not only the symbols of the menace but its roots as well. He said that India didn’t favour a prolonged war in Afghanistan and asked the people there to retract from their destructive path. Making his first public comments after the freezing of assets of Pakistan-sponsored Jaish-e-Mohammad, Vajpayee didn’t miss the opportunity to compliment his government for “making the world appreciate India’s stand on terrorism”. Apart from the contents of his address, the choice of Agra as the venue is also seen as important. It was in the historic city where General Pervez Musharraf justified the killings of civilians in the name of “freedom struggle, a few months ago. Vajpayee, who handicapped by protocol as well as the General’s status as guest, had preferred not to respond to the provocation. Today, however, he didn’t mince word as he declared that his government was “strong, stable and determined to crush terrorism.” He appealed for communal harmony and thanked the opposition for its cooperation with the government in dealing with the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the US. Vajpayee also warned the people against “those trying to provoke trouble over attacks on Afghanistan.” The Uttar Pradesh chief minister was more explicit as he, according to agency reports, threatened stern action against those supporting Osama bin Laden and Pakistan. The UP chief minister also strongly defended the ban on the Students’ Islamic Movement of India. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ofbjp.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A worldwide community of BJP's friends, supporters and activists: Friends of the BJP - Worldwid http://www.ofbjp.org/fob ----------------------------------------------------------------------
This archive was generated by (modified version of) hypermail.pl 1.00