CALCUTTA: Indian Prime Minister V P Singh Friday warned Pakistan against meddling in Kashmir and said that India would give a “fitting reply” if the country’s unity was threatened.
Addressing a reception rally outside the airport shortly after arriving in this capital of West Bengal, he said India’s efforts to maintain friendly ties with other countries notwithstanding, any attempt to threaten its unity and sovereignty would not be tolerated.
The Indian army, he asserted, was strong and capable enough to protect the country and the people were solidly behind it.
The prime minister said the Kashmir issue was a national problem and that his government will talk to all political parties to tackle the issue.
The people of northern border state of Kashmir, he said, also fought for the country’s independence and if anyone tried to confuse them, “we would not tolerate it”.
Singh said the government was trying to improve relations with neighboring counties including Pakistan, but certain statements from across the border on Kashmir issue were not “helpful but rather provocative.”
On the economic scene in the country, V P Singh said the foreign exchange reserve position was not comfortable and announced that there would be emphasis on stepping up exports while indicating restrictions on imports to save the country from falling into an external debt trap.
He said a comprehensive electoral reform was proposed to be brought about this year to do away with the pernicious influence of money and muscle power on the country’s democratic system. Besides, the inter-state council would be reactivated soon after the coming assembly elections to sort out various issues including freight equalization, he added.
About the recent U S Reference to the Simla accord, he said India had subscribed to the agreement for resolving problems between India and Pakistan and the U S had rightly referred to the accord.
On the U S’s granting a hefty aid package of 564 million dollars to Pakistan V P Singh said “we are quite capable of meeting our defense challenges on our own.”
Questioned about the map in “Newsweek”, showing Kashmir as part of Pakistan, Premier Singh said, “we have already initiated action in this regard. Accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India is irrevocable and a fact of history.”
V P Singh denied that India’s foreign policy was tilted towards the Soviet Union, and said “nonalignment is our national policy and not a party policy. The US.S.R has been a constant friend of ours and there is no question of disturbing the friendship.”
Asked what scenario he visualized after total withdrawal of the IPKF from Sri Lanka since various Tamil militant groups have started battle among themselves, he said, “We have told the government of Sri Lanka to guarantee security of the Tamils.”
Article extracted from this publication >> February 9, 1990
