The recent inopportune and highly provocative statement made by the Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, at a function in New Delhi few days ago, that terrorists should be used to ‘neutralise terrorists’ left everyone at the helm in Pakistan totally aghast. Pakistan’s reaction to the irresponsible demeanor of a person of no less than the stature of the Indian Defence Minister naturally was that of shock and awe. The statement has, in fact, sent a wave of anger among the ranks that matter.
The Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, on Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaj Aziz did not waste a second to respond to Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s provocative statement. He expressed Pakistan’s immediate concern over the issue and stated that the comments merely confirmed Pakistan’s apprehensions that India has been involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan. Pakistan has been voicing its concerns over Indian intelligence agency RAW’s involvement in terrorist activities in Pakistan for long. Pakistan’s assertions in this regard gained strength by the recent spate of statements from senior Indian civilian and military officials accusing RAW of involvement in a number of terror attacks in Pakistan.
In the backdrop of these developments it wouldn’t be inappropriate to say that Defence Minister Parrikar’s comment strongly backs Pakistan’s assertions. It could also be justifiably concluded that the most unusual and unexpected comments coming from a senior official from any government is without any intent. Pakistan’s Defence Minister, responding to his counterpart’s comments, too fully endorsed Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz’s statement about India in essence making a palpable admission of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan. This is indeed what the remarks seem to suggest. They have not as yet been denied by those at the helm in the Indian Government nor has any attempt been made by the relevant quarters to clarify the situation.
In order to ensure damage control it would be wise on the part of the Indian government to promptly clarify the situation. It would also be in the interest both the countries to curtail the outburst of allegations and counter allegations against each other to the maximum possible extent. Perhaps, this is the only way both countries could ensure improvement in their ever-deteriorating bilateral relations, and bring progress and prosperity to its people and the region.
M FAZAL ELAHI
Islamabad