The Hindu : Peace process will not be derailed: Fernandes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 24, 2003

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Peace process will not be derailed: Fernandes

By Luv Puri

Jammu July 23. Terming the stepped up violence by the militants a desperate attempt to derail the peace process, the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, today said that no terrorist activity would be allowed to derail the peace process between India and Pakistan as initiated by the political leadership of the two countries. The Minister arrived here this afternoon to review the security arrangements and to meet those injured in yesterday's attack on the Tanda Army camp in which eight Army personnel, including a brigadier, were killed.

The Defence Minister, George Fernandes, with Army officers and soldiers at the Tanda camp, 40 km. north of Jammu, on Wednesday. — AP

Flanked by the Army Chief, N.C. Vij , the GoC, Northern Command, Hari Parsad, and the GoC 16 Corps, T.P.S. Brar, he said, "I can say that yesterday's attack on the Army Camp near Akhnoor was aimed to scuttle the process of friendship initiated by India and Pakistan. These attempts will not be allowed to succeed in the larger interests of people of the State." Holding the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant outfit responsible for the attack, he said, "these men (fidayeen) are using fake names after every attack but basically they are products of the same organisation." Asked whether reported injuries to top commanders would not demoralise the Army jawans fighting militancy in the State, Mr. Fernandes shot back, "this is rubbish. None of the commanders was injured. They are right in front of you — hale and hearty".

Refusing to term the attack a security failure, he said: "our forces are competent enough to curb the menace of the terrorism and I am sure we will stamp out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir as long as a war is going on in this front". He said: "There were no security lapses as these incidents of fidayeen (suicide squad) attacks have occurred in the past as well. Militants are still coming from Pakistan and it is a reality. However, there are various camps of support in that country, even as Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has already given directions to end support to militancy". Those sending the militants here should stop it, he added.

Referring to Monday's attack on Vaishno Devi-bound pilgrims at Katra, he said such activities were intended to communalise the situation, and that "terrorism should be stamped out from the country with all our might". Significantly, he referred to the divisive political and social structure in Pakistan which, according to him, was directly responsible for the spurt in violence in the State. He said, "General Pervez Musharraf made a promise not to allow any outfit to carry terror-related activities against India from Pakistani soil. We should rely on Pervez Musharraf to give peace a chance in both the countries. Within Pakistan there exist lobbies who do not want to see the peace efforts succeed and are creating this trouble."

There were a few groups in Pakistan that were still involved in subversive activities in India, he said.

Earlier, Mr. Fernandes visited the Tanda Army Camp and the Army Hospital and met the injured jawans. The Minister was also apprised of the facts of the attack.

A partial bandh was observed in Jammu town today to protest the terrorist attack on the Tanda camp. Shops and other business establishments remained closed while public transport was off the road.

(Editorial under Opinion section)

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