December 23, 2001	Sunday	Shawwal 7, 1422

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XI’AN, China, Dec 22: President Gen Pervez Musharraf denounced on Saturday what he called India’s “very arrogant and knee-jerk response” to tension over an attack on the Indian parliament.

But he said Pakistan would not respond in kind.

“We regret the very arrogant and knee-jerk response of the Indians,” he told reporters here.

India moved more troops to its border with Pakistan and said it was recalling its envoy to Islamabad and halting bus and rail services between the two countries after accusing Pakistan of failing to act against terrorism.

But, when asked whether Islamabad would respond in kind, Gen Musharraf replied: “No.”

Gen Musharraf’s comments were his first on India during his three days in China, during which he generally avoided reporters.

He declined to answer further questions after praying at the Great Mosque in Xi’an, a Chinese city towards the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road and home to the famed Terracotta Warriors.

Gen Musharraf cancelled a visit to the Warriors, the main reason most foreigners go to Xi’an, and Chinese officials said it was for health reasons. They declined to elaborate.

TIGHT SECURITY: The Chinese officials said security for President Musharraf was even higher than that usually provided for visiting foreign leaders and equalled that around former US president Bill Clinton when he visited the Terracotta Warriors.

The officials said such a level of security in the city, which has a large Muslim population, had been requested by Pakistan.

In comments to the Imam of the Great Mosque as he offered a donation of $10,000, Gen Musharraf urged Chinese Muslims to be patriotic.

“Islam is a religion of peace, and therefore you, being a part of China, have to be patriotic and for the good of China all Muslims in China have to work for the good of China,” he said.—Reuters