The Hindu : We will not initiate war, says Musharraf

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, May 28, 2002

Front Page

Front Page

We will not initiate war, says Musharraf

The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, addressing the nation in Islamabad on Monday. — AP

Islamabad May 27 . In his much-awaited address to the nation tonight, the Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, repeated his earlier promise not to allow any terrorist attacks from the country's soil and brushed aside India's complaints on cross-border terrorism, saying no infiltration was taking place from the Pakistani side.

During his 25-minute nationally-televised speech, the General had nothing new to offer to India, belying international expectations that he would announce steps to curb terrorist infiltration which would ease Indo-Pak. tensions.

Instead, Gen. Musharraf chose to attack India for the current escalation of tensions and pledged to continue Pakistan's support to the ``freedom struggle'' in Jammu and Kashmir. He also brought in ``atrocities'' on Muslims and other minorities in Gujarat and elsewhere in India.

Tension with India ``was at its height'' and the danger of war ``is not over yet''. He termed the Kaluchak attack a ``terrorist act'' and said those behind it wanted to destabilise Pakistan. ``Targeting civilians is a terrorist attack. We condemn it. Whosoever is responsible wants to destabilise Pakistan.''

Gen. Musharraf indirectedly blamed India for the assassination of the Hurriyat leader, Abdul Ghani Lone, in Srinagar last week. ``There were thousands of people attending the meeting. How could his killers disappear? Did they vanish into thin air,'' he asked. In every encounter, the militants have either been killed or apprehended, he said.

India had blamed Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for masterminding the killing of the moderate Hurriyat leader. ``All these allegations are highly irresponsible on the part of India,'' he said.

Pakistan was a responsible state and it ``will not allow its soil to be used by terrorists. We will not allow that''. He recalled that he had stated this in his January 12 speech and there had been no deviation from it.

He also said that no infiltration was taking place in Kashmir. ``Pakistan does not want war. We will not be the one to initiate war. We want peace in the region... But if war is thrust upon us, we will use our full might and give a befitting reply.''

Addressing the international community, Gen. Musharraf said, ``Pakistan is doing nothing across the Line of Control''. Islamabad would never allow export of terrorism anywhere in the world from its soil.

He said Kashmir was in the heart of every Pakistani and Islamabad would ``always fulfil its duty of providing moral, diplomatic and political support'' to Kashmiris.

``We will always support the liberation struggle of the Kashmiris till the end.'' He alleged that ``the enemy is trying to intimidate us by hurling threats of war.''

``The armed forces of Pakistan are in the state of ever-preparedness,'' he said, adding Islamabad ``will not be intimidated by threats.'' He wanted the world community to ``take note of atrocities being perpetrated by Hindu extremists in Kashmir, Gujarat and elsewhere against Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Scheduled Castes.''

Gen. Musharraf regretted that India had not given any positive response despite Pakistan taking ``very bold steps and initiatives'' since the January 12 address.

He said the world community must ask India to move towards normalisation of relations which meant de-escalation and reduction of tension on the borders, initiation of the dialogue process, cessation of ``atrocities'' on the people of Kashmir and allowing the international media and human rights organisations to enter Kashmir and see the ground realities.

Declaring that Pakistan would not be cowed down by threats, Gen. Musharraf said Islamabad would face the situation with calm. ``If a war is thrust on us, we will not turn our back.''

The entire nation was united, he said, adding people were ready to make all sacrifices. ``You have always reposed confidence in me. With your support I shall come up to your expectations in this hour of trials and tribulations.''

Elections from Oct. 7-11

He announced that parliamentary polls would be held in October, almost three years after he seized power. "Elections will be held between October 7 and 11 this year."

Declaring that the polls would be "fair and transparent", he said that he would invite all the foreigners who want to observe the elections. "The real democracy will begin in December" following the elections.

Admitting that some irregularities had been committed during the recently-held presidential referendum, Gen. Musharraf said that he had received reports suggesting that "at lower level due to unnecessary enthusiasm and carelessness, inefficiency and ignorance there might have been some improper cases of voting in some areas".

He, however, asserted that "no official interference was allowed in the referendum", adding that "proof of this is that for the first time the Army was not deployed at the polling stations".

— PTI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

Stories in this Section

We will not initiate war, says Musharraf

There is national anger, Vajpayee tells Blair

PM returning today

India's response today

Pak. must first end cross-border terrorism, says Britain

'No suspension of Hawk deal'

46 killed in bus accident

Militant sent back to China

Militants kill police official

11 jawans killed

Situation along LoC war-like: Jack Straw

Rain, hailstorm lash Delhi

Six held for Lone's murder