Clarify stand on Taliban: National Conference to govt
Tribune News Service
Jammu, September 1
A day after India officially talked to the Taliban, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday asked the Union Government to clarify whether or not it considered the outfit a terror organisation.
“Either the Taliban are a terror organisation or they are not. Please explain how you (GoI) see the Taliban,” the National Conference vice-president told reporters after an Indian representative in Doha met a Taliban leader on Tuesday.
Terror outfit or not?
Is the Taliban a terrorist organisation? If it is not, will you move the United Nations to delist it as a terror organisation? You (India) just presided over the UN Security Council.
This was the first officially acknowledged meeting when Indian Ambassador to Qatar Deepak Mittal met senior Taliban leader Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai and conveyed India’s concerns that Afghanistan soil should not be used for anti-Indian activities and terrorism.
“Is the Taliban a terrorist organisation? If it is not, will you move the United Nations to delist it as a terror organisation? Right now, you (India) are presiding over the UN Security Council,” Omar, who was a Minister of State for External Affairs during Vajpayee’s tenure, said.
Replying to a question whether India should engage with the Taliban and give it a chance, he said, “You are engaging Taliban. You are talking to each other in Qatar. If you are talking to them, why are you asking this question to me?”
The former CM said there should not be different yardsticks for different terror organisations. “If they are a terror organisation, why are you (GoI) talking to them? If they are not a terror organisation, why are you banning their bank accounts? Why are you not recognising their government? Make up your mind,” he added.
‘Statehood before assembly poll’
Jammu: National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah on Wednesday sought the grant of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir before holding the Assemblyelections. He was addressing National Conference functionaries of Jammu. “This is a promise made by the PMand the Home Minister, and it should be kept,” he said. Omar, a former Chief Minister, said the NC would continue to fight for full statehood to J&K. “The fact is that people overwhelmingly want, rising above political affiliations, the status of Jammu and Kashmir as a state back,” he said. PTI
