PTI
Rediff
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TitlNo change in Pakistan's attitudFernandes Author: PTI Publication: Rediff DatNov. 15, 2001 India on Thursday said there had been no change in the attitude of Pakistan even after the September 11 terror attacks, which had made the world have a rethink over terrorism, and questioned its intentions in moving its troops close to border in Punjab and Rajasthan sectors. Defence Minister George Fernandes, who visited several forward locations in these sectors for personal assessment of the situation, also assured the troops that government would take urgent steps to meet their requirements in ensuring security of the country. "The September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States forced the world to have a relook at the menace of terrorism," Fernandes said, addressing troops at the forward locations in Punjab and Rajasthan sectors. "However, there is no change in their (Pakistan's) attitude and tactics towards India," he said. Stating that Pakistan had moved its troops from peacetime locations close to border, he said, "The intentions are not clear. It is difficult to comprehend Pakistan's intentions and objectives behind such a move." Fernandes said India had made several attempts to make friendship with Pakistan and cited the Lahore visit of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. "Whatever attempts we make to have friendship with Pakistan, its attitude towards us does not seem to be improving," he said. Referring to the global fight against terrorism after the September 11 strikes in the US, the defence minister said India had been fighting it for over a decade and had even faced the terrorism of the Taleban. "We had been telling the world about the scourge of terrorism but nobody listened," he said, adding 'questions' had been raised after the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Fernandes told the troops he had been told by the army commanders about the requirement of 'certain equipment' to help guard the borders better, and assured them that he would use all means to meet these needs. "If I have to divert from rules, I will do it to make the equipment available at the earliest," he said. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ofbjp.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A worldwide community of BJP's friends, supporters and activists: Friends of the BJP - Worldwid http://www.ofbjp.org/fob ----------------------------------------------------------------------
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