Pakistan decries India's admission of involvement in cross-border terrorism
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ISLAMABAD: The adviser to the prime minister on national security and foreign affairs, Sartaj Aziz, expressed serious concern over the statement made by Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar that India will use terrorism to counter terrorism from other countries.
This statement, Aziz said, only confirms Islamabad’s apprehensions about India’s involvement in terrorism in Pakistan.
“It must be the first time that a minister of an elected government openly advocates use of terrorism in another country on the pretext of preventing terrorism from that country or its non-state actors,” said the national security adviser.
Pakistan sincerely pursues a policy of good neighbourly relations with India, maintained Aziz.
“Terrorism is our common enemy and it is vital for the two countries to work together to defeat this menace, from which Pakistan has suffered much more than almost any other country,” he asserted.
"The statement of Indian defence minister is open and blatant admission and declaration of sponsoring terrorism," Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said in an official statement issued late on Saturday.
Asif said Indian defence minister specifically mentioned that regulation will not be used to quell terrorist activities and terrorism will be promoted instead.
"This is the worst kind of declaration by a state functionary of cabinet level which confirms that India is sponsoring terrorism against its neighbours in the name of preventing terrorist activities," Asif said.
Earlier, Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, in a shocking and radical statement, has asserted that terrorists have to be neutralised only through terrorists.
“India will take proactive steps to prevent a 26/11 type attack,” Press Trust of India quoted him saying.
Commenting on the shocking utterances of the Indian Defence Minister, a defence analyst said the statement was appalling and beyond comprehension.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi, the minister used the Hindi phrase “kante se kanta nikalna” (removing a thorn with a thorn) and wondered why Indian soldiers should be used to neutralise terrorists. The proactive steps, he said, could include pressure tactics.
“We have to neutralise terrorists through terrorists only. Why can't we do it? We should do it. Why does my soldier have to do it?” he said and added that the issue could not be discussed beyond this.
“There are certain things that I obviously cannot discuss here. But if there is any country, planning something against my country, we will definitely take some pro-active steps,” he said.
The defence analyst lamented that the menace of terrorism could not be defeated by promoting state-sponsored terrorism.
India, he added, was carving out a disastrous strategy as it would never help in rooting out terrorism, which was a global issue threatening all states.
The international community should take notice of this irresponsible statement, which was reflecting a sick mindset, he stressed.
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Comments (75) Closed
May 23, 2015 11:00pm
Did the Indian defense minister name Pakistan? Don't think so. So why issue baseless statements and vitiate the atmosphere?
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May 23, 2015 11:06pm
No comments from our indian friends, the silence is defeaning
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May 23, 2015 11:08pm
And to act pro pro-actively, you know what.....
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May 23, 2015 11:10pm
No one should be surprised by the statement made by the minister. He has only acknowledged what India is practicing against Pakistan since long. I appreciate his forthrightness.
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May 23, 2015 11:10pm
Parrikar's statement was about terrorizing terrorists. Why are you so afraid, Mr. Aziz? Does it have something to do with you or your policies by any chance?
India has woken from its Congress induced slumber. You may want to inflict a thousand cuts but we will reply with just one.
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May 23, 2015 11:11pm
He is announcing a war bell.
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May 23, 2015 11:15pm
Why there is no comment from our Indian fellows, I wonder?
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May 23, 2015 11:20pm
it was suggestion not admission.
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May 23, 2015 11:21pm
He said I think we should do it, its not admission. If at all there is admission it is from sartaz aziz regarding pakistani non state actor(with government subsidy ;)) against India.
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May 23, 2015 11:22pm
Indian defence minister has not said anything about using terrorists.... He talks about using the "differences among terrorist groups"... There is nothing wrong in that... There is a competition among terrorist groups to take credit for terror acts bcoz it ensures greater funding and prestige... This rivalry bw terror groups should be exploited by all countries to defend their citizens... Pakistan is also exploiting such rivalries..
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May 23, 2015 11:23pm
I am an Indian and do not subscribe to such statements. I do not believe such statements have been made but if they have it is shameful; as a peaceful Indian I do not endorse them and castigate these remarks thoroughly. But be very careful to jump to any conclusion and taking remarks out of context
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May 23, 2015 11:34pm
Statement of Indian minister is out of fear and sign of frustration. BJP policies and immature statements of its ministers are harming only India. Waving of Pak flag in IH Kashmir are more frequent after BJP's coming into power. On the other hand, Pakistan has seen off the worst and moving towards stability which is frustrating the BJP Govt.
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May 23, 2015 11:36pm
Both sides use terrorism against each other. A sensible approach would be to agree not to indulge in such activities. This will benefit the people of both India and Pakistan.
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May 23, 2015 11:39pm
has the defence minister named any country.so why is pakistan taking it personal?
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May 23, 2015 11:42pm
Just have a look at the history what has happened, and think over before commenting.
It should not be so offending - after all it was just a statement but it seems to be a good statement to be effective!
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May 23, 2015 11:43pm
Why is Sartaz Aziz afraid..
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May 23, 2015 11:46pm
Very disappointing remarks from indian minister, No wonder what our Government is waiting for and is silent on the issue's like this. We ought to be using Mass media attention now to tell the world who really is spreading menace of terrorism in Pakistan.
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May 23, 2015 11:48pm
Nothing wrong with indian statement
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May 23, 2015 11:50pm
I think time has come by for common sense .. atleast both countries should look at millions of poor, ill, UN educated, deprived of basic needs then spend billions on this proxy war.. what a shame for South east asia... Wish we can form a NAFTA , eurozone, type agreement to benefit one and all
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May 23, 2015 11:52pm
its counter terrorism
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May 23, 2015 11:54pm
Reading the quotes of Indian Defence Minister, it is extremely disappointing and worrying!!!
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May 24, 2015 12:24am
it's interpretation with wrong intention !!!!
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May 24, 2015 12:38am
We need people in Pakistan government who are bold enough to take their kid gloves off and deal with India in a befitting manner. These threats from India have become a continuous occurrence and unacceptable. I for one am of the opinion that Pakistan is a nuclear nation and needs to make India understand that any threats emanating from within its borders will be dealt with decisively and overwhelmingly and swiftly.
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May 24, 2015 12:40am
The best way to ruin Indian plans against Pakistan is to seal entire Afghan border and raise Kashmir issue at UN and ICJ level.
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May 24, 2015 12:52am
Finally someone in India is talking sense. Proxy war can be fought by both parties
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May 24, 2015 12:53am
Pakistan should know why not to co-opt militants to fight other undesirable elements. They always turn on the master eventually! India remains cautioned from this experience. Mr. Parrikar's language reeks of frustration and desperation.
Non-soldiers actors will be militias and militias are not really accountable to legitimate regulation and often have personal/private agendas!
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May 24, 2015 01:02am
There we go again. When will these two countries learn. Please sit together and solve your problems, don't kill the flower of your youth on the battlefields. Especially all soldiers and terrorists belong to poor families, it is easy for the leaders to make statements, their own kith and kin are safe and sound sitting under an Air conditioner while the stupid people they brain wash die for nothing. I wish statesmanship takes over the rabble gatherers.
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May 24, 2015 01:06am
Welcome change in the attitude of India, they should use all means to secure the safety of their people and soldier's life is very important , if their lives can be saved by any means then that means should be used.
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May 24, 2015 01:12am
“There are certain things that I obviously cannot discuss here. But if there is any country, planning something against my country, we will definitely take some pro-active steps,”
Why cant you take proactive steps and remove extremists camps from your soil. Huh "proactive steps"... Only Pakistan has right to do all unsocial and inhuman things in world, and anybody else have no right to speak even....
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May 24, 2015 01:25am
Why is Pakistan concerned about the statement of the Indian Minister. He did not say that he'll sponsor or use terrorism against Pakistan. He said that if any country use terrorism against India, India will do the same against that country.
Does the statement of Mr Aziz, confirm that Pakistan is sponsoring terrorism against India? Why is he concerned if his country has nothing to do with terrorism in India ? What is he afraid of?
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May 24, 2015 01:39am
This statement is beyond comprehension.
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May 24, 2015 02:07am
It is an open secret
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May 24, 2015 02:11am
As an Indian, this statement from the Indian minister was unwarranted. The world knows what Pakistan is up to, why give up the morally superior position of India?
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May 24, 2015 02:18am
But Parrikar never said that India will recruit , train , arm and finance terrorists ! He merely said that he will use existed factions of terrorists already recruited , trained , armed and financed , against each other . What is wrong in taking thorn out with a thorn ? Bottom line is India has to counter the terrorists . At no point he is suggesting that India will start terrorist activities against other countries . Only counter the existing terrorists in his own country . Sartaj Aziz is over reading Parrikar's statement , thus getting wrong inferences ! India will never use terrorism against any country . We have better things waiting for us . Get busy living or get busy dying .
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May 24, 2015 03:02am
we all know it ...
question is.. what are we doing about it?
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May 24, 2015 03:03am
This is going to set a very dangerous precedent for going forward for both countries ... especially when you have your elected officials openly admitting to it.
who wins at the end? terrorists,,,who loses? the public in both countries, no one gains.
you don't win any land,the only satisfaction is seeing the public in other country burn. How evil is that?
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May 24, 2015 03:21am
What is wrong in what the Defence Minister said?
Parrikar said, "I feel that there has to be some strong response which will once and for all or at least reduce these blatant attempts. It's an open secret that they (militants) came from Pakistan."
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May 24, 2015 03:28am
The word terrorism has become extremely tricky these days. Its synonyms seems to be 'Freedom struggle', 'Religious faith', 'Fight the oppression and tyranny', 'Regional balance of powers', 'Nationalism' etc...
We are living in dangerous times.
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May 24, 2015 03:58am
Here is my response to India.
GOD BLESS PAKISTAN,
Land that we love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From Kashmir to Karachi and onto New Delhi,
And to the oceans, white with foam
GOD BLESS PAKISTAN, Our home sweet home.
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May 24, 2015 04:08am
One needs to introspect that No other country responded like pakistan...obviously its assets will be now feeling the heat...as a donation/kickbacks receiving country it really has no say in the regional or world power blance shift..needs to learn to shutup n mend its ways
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May 24, 2015 04:40am
Where was Pakistan mentioned specifically in his statement. All he was saying, he will take proactive steps to prevent terrorist attaack in his country, something that USA and UK and Australia have been doing for ages. Drone attacks are a part of the same strategy.
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May 24, 2015 05:47am
One least expects such an offensive statement from the Defence Minister
of a Democratic Country. I really wonder
how people like Mr.Parrikar got elected
and elevated to such a high position in the largest Democratic Government.
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May 24, 2015 05:53am
Can you put the video where he says that. He did not even say remotely about cross border terrorism. He said use terrorists against terrorists in the sense that means to divide a wedge between terrorists.
If pakistani govt. thinks itself as terrorist, then it should sure be concerned. Else why the hue n cry?
Isn't it the usual following three crybaby lines from pakistan :
1) Non state actors , pakistan govt/state not responsibe.
2) We are frontline state in the war against terror.
3) We have suffered the most terrorist attacks ( despite being always so nice ).
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May 24, 2015 06:02am
The only way to stop Pakistan from resorting to such shenanigans is to show them that two can play the same game. India with its vastly superior resources can play it much, much better. The message should be loud and clear. The international community will not bother with Pakistan and they're clearly on India's side. Not even China will make statements to support Pakistan against India. I guess, the game's up.
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May 24, 2015 06:19am
If it is true...being Indian...I take the first chance to condemn this kind of statements...In fact it has to be condemned irrespective of the Country...Let us reciprocate kindness not madness...
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May 24, 2015 06:46am
Afghan war, ZIA radical ideology and Saudi backing of hardline ideology in Pakistan . these are the some factor that is responsible for current mess in Pakistan.don't blame India for your wrong policy . nation is himself architect of her future .whether it's good or bad
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May 24, 2015 06:51am
Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar didn't mentioned Pakistan in his statement.
Why Sartaj has to worry if Pakistan is not using terrorism as state tool?
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May 24, 2015 06:52am
some time truth is bitter . but due to that it is not advisable to hide the truth .and i have higher regard for you in this matter .
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May 24, 2015 06:55am
What the Defense minister actually said was that Differences and rivalries between terrorist groups should be exploited to gain intelligence and take preventive steps. Good morning to all friends.
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May 24, 2015 07:23am
Irresponsible statement by Indian minister.
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May 24, 2015 07:24am
so india and row is responsible for all your problem ?.. keep on blaming others for your shortcomings...the real problem in pakistan is extremism,whitch is created by your own government or administration... now you are bearing the brunt if that...if you teach hate to a innocent child what will he come out to be in the end....change your curriculum first ....make your country secular like india only then you can come out of this mess ....
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May 24, 2015 07:58am
This is reflection of true mindset of Modi govt.A common Indian or Pakistani wants peace but these radical politicians won't let this happen.
High times to promote peace and progress otherwise both countries will keep suffering heavily.
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May 24, 2015 08:01am
Manohar Parrikar is a typical narscistic nda minister who just want to remain in news and for that would do and say every possible stupid thing.Which smart minister would expose his true tactics to the world;these are just for media frenzy.
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May 24, 2015 08:05am
Yes terrorist shud be used to neutralize terrorist. If both countries fear that if one strikes other will give reply in same style then there will be peace..
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May 24, 2015 08:06am
good way to teach the lesson
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May 24, 2015 08:20am
Deserves credit for being honest.
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May 24, 2015 08:22am
Shocking admission by defence Minister of India of promoting terrorism in neighbouring countries instead of rooting out it. It is state-sponsered terrorism by India. Pakistan has been shouting at the involvement of India's terror activities in Pakistan but India denied it.The world community should take notice of Indian defence Minister's statement.
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May 24, 2015 08:46am
I heard that speech by Mr defense minister.. I do not think he suggested spreading terrorism at all. All he suggested was to prevent attacks by attacking known terroists first..
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May 24, 2015 08:46am
I have not seen this statement in the Indian press, but if true it is shocking. Do we want to go back to the medieval times ?
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May 24, 2015 09:03am
Look at what the minister said....and look at what is being interpreted
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May 24, 2015 09:03am
Nice to hear him say what we've already known for a long while. Comforting words from a neighbor that is advocating peace.
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May 24, 2015 09:54am
The Indian government accuses us of cross border terrorism but then admits that they'll do it to? I don't see how the Indian public isn't waking up yet. India is funding the TTP, terrorism is Karachi, and the Balochistan insurgency. I wouldn't be surprised if India has a hand in Lakshar-e-Jhangvi or the South Punjab militancy.
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May 24, 2015 10:51am
Well, we all knew terrorists were for sale as India had always been using these to carryout out its agenda in certain parts of Pakistan..
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May 24, 2015 11:07am
Now the time has come to take counter-actions, we know that our enemy has spread the network of terrorism throughout Pakistan. All political parties have to brush aside their political differences and personal gains and focus their energies in protecting Pakistan from the devils’ eyes. Pakistan Zindabad
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May 24, 2015 11:31am
thats something which is not new , everyone knows who is involved in such activities in Pakistan . Pakistan should take a bold stance and resolve this issue or there will be unwanted bloodshed .We can live in Peace and harmony and we should focus on trade rather than showing off to one another .
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May 24, 2015 11:33am
@FAIRVIEW just listen to some of the speeches of Modi in pre-election campaign and the hatred and vitriolic he used against Pakistan , with we'll decimate the country, and all that. Available in YouTube.
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May 24, 2015 12:04pm
This is nothing...listen to some of the speeches of Indian national security adviser Ajit Kumar Doval openly admitting about TTP being used as a mercenary paid group by the Indian intelligence sitting in Afghanistan, to kill innocent people in Pakistan.
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May 24, 2015 12:27pm
@Bangalorean Loving the denial from our friends across the border. When the "terrorist boat" incident happened, it was enlightening to see reaction from our friends across the border who criticized Times of India for publishing the story instead of questioning their armed forces for attacking a vessel without due cause.
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May 24, 2015 01:27pm
It shows Indian frustration due to some positive happenings in Pakistan
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May 24, 2015 02:17pm
India is one of the few countries in the world where state sponsors terrorism.
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May 24, 2015 02:20pm
Funny how many trolls from across the border are trying to justify their minister’s statement by putting a different spin to it. Had any of our minister made a gaffe like that we would have taken him to pieces!
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May 24, 2015 02:28pm
@Sujoy - Thank you!
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May 24, 2015 03:18pm
Pakistan govt has never said that they will use terrorists to fight terrorism. Indian defence minister just said this.
Who is the state sponsor of terrorism? It's pretty clear.
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May 24, 2015 06:25pm
@Siddhu remember and understand carefully that when you use negative forces against your enemies, you actually are creating and strengthening your enemy also. In other words you are creating a Frankenstein which will for sure destroy you in due course. Interestingly, it may not really harm your enemy. In other words your actions will only boomerang.
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May 25, 2015 06:50am
proud of our Defence minister. This is the way to go.
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