Chowki (Kulu), October 20
Home Minister L.K. Advani today warned Pakistan of ‘consequences’ if it persisted in its support of terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to newspersons here after inaugurating the 86-MW Malana hydroelectric power project, Mr Advani said India had no plans, for the present, to strike at terrorist camps across the border but indicated that the option of ‘hot pursuit’ could be used if Pakistan continued to push infiltrators into the country.
He said India was confident of overcoming terrorism in Jammu
and Kashmir without crossing the LoC.
“Even during the Kargil war, there was a desire, there was a natural inclination to go beyond the LoC. But we did not do it. We exercised restraint that time,” the Home Minister said.
He also made it clear that success against terrorism was not dependent on support from any other country
“Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country is India’s problem and we are determined to overcome the problem on our own. We do not look for assistance from other countries in dealing with this issue,” he said.
When asked if India’s plea of cross-border terrorism would hold any significance when the international community was taking help of Pakistan in the global campaign against terrorism, Mr Advani said the issue would be sorted out once the US-led strikes on terrorist camps in Afghanistan were over.
“Post-September 11, the coming together of the world community against terrorism is a welcome development and I have confidence that when this phase is over, it will not be easy for countries which are promoting and financing terrorism to continue to do so,” he said.
“The climate in the world in respect of cross-border terrorism would have changed so much that it will naturally help our fight against terrorism,” he added.
UNI
