'Ready to lay down my life'

By Our Staff Reporter

KOTTAYAM, DEC. 31. The Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, today accused Pakistan of direct involvement in the recent militant attacks. Addressing a meeting of the BJP's State unit delegates at Kumarakom, where he is vacationing, the Prime Minister said the militant organisation involved in the incidents was helped by the Government of Pakistan and this points to Pakistan's direct involvement in the incidents.

Mr. Vajpayee asserted that he was not concerned by the threat to his life from the Pakistan-based Lakshar-e-Taiba. ``I am not afraid of being attacked or murdered... I am ready to lay down my life for the nation,'' he said, reacting to the threat to the Prime Minister's Office by the LeT.

Mr. Vajpayee said the nation wanted peace to prevail not only within the country but also in the world. He pointed out that the country had good relations with all its neighbours, except Pakistan. The Prime Minister allayed fears in the minds of the neighbours who believe India, as a ``big country'', would eat them up. However, the nation would like to help all its neighbours, whether small or big. Referring to the incidents in Nepal, he said this was an attempt to stir trouble on a minor issue, but this failed.

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