J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

BJP chief for global sanctions against Pakistan
Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 16
The BJP has called for stringent measures, including diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions, against Pakistan by those nations which are asking Islamabad to stop aiding terrorism. This was stated by the BJP President, Mr Jana Krishnamurthi, at a press conference after a two -day visit here. He said economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure needed to be imposed against Pakistan so it realised that terrorism does not pay.

Mr Krishnamurthi lauded the NDA government’s policy which had isolated Pakistan but favoured stringent international measures against Islamabad.

He said the recent terrorist strike on the American consulate in Karachi and similar strikes in Jammu and Kashmir indicated that terrorists were active inside and outside Pakistan. He said it revealed that Gen Musharraf’s statement that “terrorism does not emanate from Pakistani soil” were not factual.

The BJP chief expressed surprise over the US suggestion to Delhi to send its High Commissioner to Pakistan but had itself decided to close all its consulates in Pakistan.

He said if a dialogue had to be started with Pakistan, the future of Pakistan occupied Kashmir too had to be on the agenda.

Mr Krishnamurthi was critical of Ms Sonia Gandhi and Communists. Appreciating the delayed Congress support to NDA Presidential candidate APS Kalam, he said the Communists did not “understand” national interest. Referring to the recent speeches of Ms Gandhi in Gujarat, he said she had displayed a “high degree of political immaturity.”

He said as far as the abrogation of Article 370 was concerned, the BJP would stick to the agenda framed by the NDA. Regarding the demand for greater autonomy, he said the BJP “will not allow restoration of pre-1953 constitutional status.”

A soldier looks back from a bus as he leaves for his hometown from Jammu, on Sunday. India has allowed its troops to go on leave for the first time in nearly six months, in yet another sign that its tense military stand-off with Pakistan may be easing. — Reuters

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He ruled out the possibility of the Governor’s rule before Assembly elections. He said the Supreme Court ruling was clear on the matter.