U.S. must have world view on terrorism: BJP

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 20. The Bharatiya Janata Party president, Mr. Jana Krishnamurthi, today said that if the U.S. was at all serious about fighting terrorism, it would ``have to recognise'' that other countries have been facing the problem.

At the same time, he made it clear that there was no question of the Centre or his party depending on the current focus on terrorism to help them resolve the problem created by cross- border terrorism in Kashmir. India had been dealing with the Kashmir problem and he was sure `` we will have to resolve the problem ourselves.''

He said the U.S. had talked about a ``long war'' against terrorism, and a war against all those who harbour terrorism, and there was ``no reason to mistrust'' them. Moreover, it had assured New Delhi that no bargains will be struck with Pakistan affecting Indian interests.

Although Mr. Krishnamurthi tried to rationalise U.S. seeking Islamabad's help to fight terrorism because of the geographical location of Pakistan on the border of Afghanistan, by saying that the U.S. may have its ``own reasons,'' he indirectly questioned the use of Pakistan as a front runner in the fight against terrorism.

The Taliban and the Pakistan establishment had been hand in glove in unleashing terrorism on India and nearly 40 per cent of the Taliban militia were believed to be Pakistanis, he said. Over the decade, as many as 53,000 innocent lives had been lost in terrorist violence. Every human life was precious, ``be it Indian or American'' and this world view must be kept in mind in any global fight against terrorism.

India was definitely for a global war against terrorism, he said. But, he was not willing to be drawn into responses on specific questions related to India allowing American bases to be set up here for there was ``no specific demand.'' If and when such a question were to arise, ``this country, this Government and the party will not compromise national interest,'' he added. What had radically changed after the September 11 attacks on the U.S. was the fact that while earlier no one was willing to listen to India's voice against the dangers of terrorism, now world attention was on it. It had been rudely brought home to Americans that despite the ``pucca'' security arrangements, their country too was ``not invincible.''

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Section  : National
Next     : India and U.S.-Pak. ties