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Musharraf resents Fernandes remarks
By B. Muralidhar Reddy
ISLAMABAD, JAN. 18. The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, today resented what he termed ``rhetorical'' statements from Indian leaders, particularly the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, asking him to back his denouncements against extremism with deeds, and asserted that Islamabad would not allow anyone to sit in judgment over the action it has initiated in the interest of peace and prosperity.
In an hour-long speech at a two-day conference of religious scholars, organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to debate the situation in the light of his January 12 speech, Gen. Musharraf, was at pains to emphasise that the reforms initiated were not opposed to Islam. The purpose of the conference was to explain the rationale behind the series of measures in recent days against religious extremism.
He made a specific reference to Kashmir as an example of the region where ``fellow Muslims were facing repression'' and said ``leave these matters to the Government. We would deal with them, and take my word the Government would not let down the people of Pakistan''.
Even as Gen. Musharraf was on his feet, some in the audience got up to complain about the excessive zeal of the authorities enforcing the restrictions on use of loudspeakers in mosques and the arrest of innocent citizens in the name of fighting extremism. He promised action on the complaints and sought their co-operation in transforming Pakistan into a more tolerant society.
Gen. Musharraf said there should be no doubt in anyone's mind that Pakistan was an Islamic society. ``We are opposed to those who blindly ape the West. At the same time we want to confront those on the other side of the spectrum, religious extremists. The middle path is the ideal option for Pakistan and we seek to promote it'', he said.
He devoted considerable time to speak on the current tension between India and Pakistan and gave sufficient indications that the threat of war had receded.
'Accepting LoC no solution to Kashmir'
ISLAMABAD, JAN. 18. The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, has said that he has been receiving ``fluctuating signals'' from India on easing tensions between the two countries, and ruled out chances of Islamabad accepting the Line of Control (LoC) as a solution to the Kashmir issue.
In an interview to a Lebanese newspaper here, he outlined a ``step by step approach'' to normalise relations with India through talks which included accepting Kashmir as the core issue. ``There is fluctuation in the signals we are receiving from New Delhi. They are not consistent in their statements.'' he said.
On the measures to contain extremism within Pakistan, he said, ``the U.S is quite satisfied with the steps I have taken.''
On the possibility of the LoC as a solution to the Kashmir issue, he said, ``it cannot be the solution to the problem. We have fought four wars over the LoC''.
``The first step should be the resumption of peaceful dialogue. The second should be to accept Kashmir as a central issue. The third is to negate any solution which is not acceptable to both countries and the fourth - to solve it according to the wishes of the Kashmiris''.
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