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War is not the way to peace, says Vajpayee

Sharat Pradhan in Lucknow

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has emphasised the need for a no-war pact with Pakistan, and closer ties with all neighbours.

He was speaking at a civic reception accorded to him in Lucknow, his electoral constituency, for his success at opening a new chapter in Indo-Pak relations and his contribution in making India a nuclear power. The venue, the historic Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, colourfully adorned and illuminated for the occasion, also witnessed a concert by renowned classical musician Pandit Jasraj.

Referring to Indo-Pak relations, Vajpayee made it clear that war was not in the interest of either nation. "War can only bring destruction and devastation, which we do not want for anyone," the prime minister said.

Recalling Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief's recitation of his (Vajpayee's) poem Ab jung na hone denge (Now we will not go to war) at a civic reception in Lahore, he said, "Since we have already witnessed three wars, it is time to take a pledge that we will not go at war again."

"In order to ensure an end to wars," Vajpayee went on, "there is need to build friendship, closer socio-cultural ties, open economic exchange, trading and above all easy movement."

Since the beginning has already been made, it is necessary to go ahead with the mission, he added.

Disclosing how Sharief had recalled nostalgic memories of Lucknow (his wife had her college education from there), Vajpayee said the dates of his Pakistan counterpart's reciprocal visit to India were being finalised.

"We would discuss all issues and I am sure solutions would be found. Today both of us are nuclear powers and are capable of devastating each other, but since we both are aware that wars do not being solutions, we have decided to be friends," Vajpayee said.

He recalled how the Pakistani prime minister had candidly confessed that his nation's foreign exchange reserves were terribly depleted because of nuclear tests. "Yet, he had no choice but to go for the blasts because he felt a befitting reply had to be given to India's tests," Vajpayee said.

However, the prime minister continued, "But now we both feel that it is high time we stopped depending on foreign exchange reserves and started marching on the road to self-reliance."

As if to say that a beginning in that direction has already been made, he added, "After all, we did manage to counter the economic onslaught of sanctions that followed the nuclear blasts."

Vajpayee said he also hoped to improve India's relations with its other neighbours through cultural and economic exchange.

He exuded the confidence that he would resolve major national issues through his new democratic approach of involving all political parties. "I feel that it would be in the national interest to take everyone into confidence on issues concerning the country and its subjects," he said.

In this regard, he was all appreciation for former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao's policy. He recalled how Rao had nominated him as the leader of the delegation to the Geneva Convention.

"It was in keeping with India's democratic and secular spirit that today's function was graced by representatives from different religious sects, who came down to bless me on this occasion," Vajpayee said.

Earlier in the day, the prime minister had called on renowned Islamic scholar and All India Muslim Personal Law Board president Maulana Ali Mian, who, owing to illness, was unable to attend the function. Vajpayee met him at his residence in Nadwa-tul-Ulema, the well-known Islamic university.

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