NEW DELHI: The BJP on Jan.24 strongly criticized the US President Mr.Bill Clinton’s letter on the situation Punjab and said it marked a change in the country’s attitude towards India. ; Speaking to newsmen here the party. Spokesperson Mr.K.L.Sharma described the letter as an unnecessary provocation and said such statements would encourage Pakistan to step up its help to militants in India. The development gives the impression that Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the CIA have joined together to create instability in India. We should not succumb to external pressures of this kind and the US should be clearly told not to interfere in our internal affairs Sharma said.

According to him recent US Statements indicated a complete tum-around in its attitude towards India. They were unwanted and uncalled for he said.

Describing the reported parading of a harijan woman naked near Allahabad as unfortunate Mr.Sharma said it was a clear indication that law and order had collapsed in Uttar Pradesh. It was not clear what action the state government had taken on this incident.

The BJP he said had launched a movement against growing lawlessness in the state to mobilize public opinion against the perceived breakdown of the law and order machinery in the state.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) also condemned Mr. Clinton’s letter turning it outrageous interference of American imperialism in the internal affairs of India and its open support to Separatist and militants in Punjab and Kashmir adds PTL

Bill Clinton’s letter to US Congressman Mr Gary Condit on human rights in Punjab is the latest manifestation of the American interference the party said in a Statement issued here

Earlier president Clinton had Written to a US-based anti-Indian Separatist outfit extending support on the issue of Kashmir the statement added

The CPI national executive said the Indian government should take up the matter at the appropriate level and nail down American stand on the issue concerning India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Article extracted from this publication >> February 4, 1994