Omar for pre-emptive strikes against militants

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 30. The Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Omar Abdullah, has favoured taking pre-emptive measures against militants operating out of bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok) as India has a credible case that will stand the scrutiny at international fora.

``We can also hit the militant camps being run by Pakistan in the occupied territory as we have a fit case that Jammu and Kashmir is facing international terrorism for decades,'' Mr. Abdullah said in an interaction with PTI journalists here.

Clarifying that these were his personal views, he said, ``we can go around international fora on the same ground of international terrorism on which the United States has been roping in the world community.'' Kashmir was the worst sufferer of international terrorism as mercenaries from 16 nationalities had been operating in the State during the decade-long militancy, he added.

Asked whether the U.S. could play a role in curbing militancy in J&K, he said, ``yes, indeed. The U.S. has the ability to tell Pakistan to stop it.''

Mr. Abdullah said lifting of the sanctions imposed by the U.S. against Pakistan after the 1999 coup by Gen. Pervez Musharraf would send the ``wrong signals'' to those upholding democracy. It would appear that ``democracy is no longer a concern for democratic countries like the U.S. but it is only the fight against terrorism.''

On India's position on the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance in Afghanistan, he said New Delhi supported the establishment of a broad-based, multi-ethnic government in Kabul acceptable to the Afghan people. Asked if New Delhi was willing to offer assistance to the alliance in the prevailing situation, he said ``if they ask for it, we will look at it. But I don't think you will fundamentally see a change in India's position towards the Northern Alliance.''

He said India, which continues to recognise the alliance, ``is supporting them in every way we think is important. This is continuing.''

Mr. Abdullah said his final aim was to get into J&K politics and serve the people. However, he would do so only after his father and the Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, retired or moved to a higher post. Questioning the credentials of the Hurriyat Conference, the Minister said he was ready to take on its leadership in any elections free from violence.

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