The Hindu : Pakistan takes exception to Vij's remarks

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Oct 13, 2003

International

International - India & World

Pakistan takes exception to Vij's remarks

By B. Muralidhar Reddy

ISLAMABAD Oct. 12. The Pakistan Information and Broadcasting Minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, has taken exception to the reported statements by the Indian Army Chief, Gen. N.C. Vij, that Pakistan was pushing `Muslim secessionists' into Kashmir.

Talking to correspondents here, Mr. Ahmed alleged that the charges had been made with mala fide intentions to damage Pakistan's image.

``It is a concerted propaganda effort designed to malign Pakistan's image and undermine its efforts in combating terrorism.''

``No militant training camp is operating on Pakistani soil and the accusation of infiltration into Indian held Kashmir is simply out of question,'' he said.

The Kashmir movement was ``indigenous'' and was being carried out by the local people, whose rights had been usurped by India and the Kashmiris were struggling for ``freedom against the usurpation''.

The Minister said that Pakistan would continue its moral, diplomatic and political support to the ``just cause'' of Kashmiris from Indian subjugation.

He claimed that Pakistan was playing the role of a frontline state along with other world forces to fight terrorism and it was out of question to doubt the sincere efforts being made by Pakistan.

``Pakistan wants to resolve all its disputes with India peacefully and is fully prepared to engaged in a comprehensive dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, including the core issue Kashmir,'' he said.

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