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No talks with Pak until it stops abetting terrorism: PM

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today asserted that there was no question of holding talks with Pakistan in view of its continued support to militancy in India, and called upon the world community to unitedly fight against terrorism, the biggest threat to humanity.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on the occasion of the 53rd Independence Day, Vajpayee said Pakistan was sending mercenaries into India every day who were killing innocent people. ''How can we hold talks in this situation?'' he asked.

The prime minister said for any peace talks to succeed a conducive environment was required to be created, but what Pakistan has been doing in the past few months did not indicate its willingness for any peaceful negotiations.

Referring to the Lahore bus diplomacy, the prime minister said: ''We had gone to Pakistan with a message of peace. But what we got in return was Kargil. Islamabad betrayed our faith.''

In his 25-minute speech, punctuated with references to Kargil which drew loud applause from the gathering, Vajpyaee touched upon various issues ranging from the nuclear tests at Pokhran, test firing of the Agni-range missiles, launching of the PSLV and three other satellites under the Insat series to the Women's Reservation Bill and the growth in GDP.

He congratulated agricultural scientists and farmers for achieving a record 200-million tonnes of foodgrains production this year.

In view of the model code of conduct in force for the current Lok Sabha elections, the prime minister's speech was bereft of any new welfare measures or policy announcements, a regular feature of such addresses in the past.

Vajpayee, however, listed the achievements of his 16-month-old government.

He said despite the general feeling that India would not go in for nuclear tests because of international pressure, he said, his government took a bold step in conducting the Pokhran explosions which enhanced the country's security and lent it a sense of confidence.

''The world has seen that we will not compromise on our national security, come what may,'' the prime minister said.

He said in the wake of the Pokhran tests, doubts were raised about the country's ability to withstand economic sanctions. ''But the country not only overcame the cut in foreign aid, but also prevented any impact of the recent turmoil in South Asia on its economy,'' he added

The prime minister declared that India would not succumb to pressure from any quarter on steps aimed at ensuring national security and self-protection.

At the same time, he said, the Kargil incident had shown the world the extent of restraint and responsibility the country had.

Reiterating the government's resolve to fight militancy, he said Punjab was today free from the problem, while people in Jammu and Kashmir were tired of the continued violence. ''Everyone wants peace as people are worried about the future of their children,'' he said.

Referring to the Kargil experience, Vajpayee said there was a sense of unity among various communities during the crisis which boosted the morale of our forces. The other positive aspect of the conflict was that it proved to be a setback for the elements which wanted to create communal trouble.

He called upon the people to preserve this feeling of oneness. ''To meet the challenges ahead of us, the efforts of the soldiers alone are not sufficient. A united and disciplined country has to back them.''

Congratulating the armed forces on their Kargil victory, the prime minister cautioned them against becoming complacent.

He, however, added to ensure the country's security, it was imperative to have a strong economy and self-sufficiency in defence production.

''I dream of an India which is free of hunger, fear, illiteracy and poverty. I want a developed, self-sufficient and strong India which can regain its old glory in the international arena,'' the prime minister said.

He also stressed the need for providing equal opportunities for the backward classes, Dalits and tribals to ensure social justice.

On issue of minorities, he said they should be treated equally so that they can contribute to the development of the country. ''India is a secular country and co-existence is in the blood of everyone,'' he said.

UNI

Prime Minister's speech in Real Audio

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