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No compromise on nation's security, says Advani

By Anita Joshua

LEH (J&K) MAY 31. Preferring not to pre-empt a measured response from the Government to Islamabad's promise to close terrorist camps on Pakistan soil, the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, today said the NDA Government would never compromise with the nation's security as security and development were the two issues on which ``we came to power''.

In a brief interaction with the media at the ITBP regional headquarters here a day ahead of the seventh edition of the annual `Sindhu Darshan' festival, Mr. Advani was guarded in his response to Pakistan's assurance, and tight-lipped about being charge-sheeted in the Babri Masjid demolition case, stating that he had till date never said anything on Ayodhya.

Of the view that daily reactions to every step taken by Pakistan in response to the olive branch extended by India would not help the peace process, Mr. Advani said the Government was monitoring in detail every statement and action of Islamabad. ``If a detailed response is needed, the Government will give it at the appropriate time.''

Referring to oft-repeated apprehensions that the peace initiative made by the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, in Srinagar would affect the counter-terrorism measures adopted by the NDA Government, Mr. Advani said the Government had always maintained that India wanted peace between the two nations and was prepared to resolve contentious issues; provided a conducive atmosphere was created.

Earlier, addressing a function organised by ITBP, Mr. Advani expressed happiness that school children of Leh wanted to join the security forces. ``Such concern for the nation's security among these children is heart-warming, and I am sure the future of the nation will be secure in their hands.''

He also flagged off ITBP's White Water Rafting Expedition in the Sindhu river and a mountaineering expedition to Rimo Glacier in the presence of the Jharkhand Governor, Rama Joyce, and several others.

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