Author:
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: January 28, 2003
Introduction: Islamabad offering
shelter and training to Taliban, Al Qaeda
In a stern warning, India has told
Pakistan that it would be "erased from the world map", if it uses nuclear
weapons against India. "We have been saying all through, that the person
who heads Pakistan today, who is also the whole and sole in-charge of that
country, has been talking about using dangerous weapons including the nukes,"
defence minister George Fernandes said last night.
"Well, I would reply that if Pakistan
has decided that it wants to get itself destroyed and erased from the world
map, then it may take this step of madness, but if wants to survive then
it would not do so," he said. Participating in a BBC World's phone-in programme
in Hindi-Aap ki bath, BBC ke sath - Mr Fernandes said, "There has been
this talk Pakistani nuclear weapons falling in the hands of dangerous elements.
But we believe that whatever be the policy of Pakistani leadership towards
India, howsoever irresponsible they may be, it is difficult to accept that
they would put such weapons in the hands of individuals or organisations,
who might eventually use them. "Answering a question on infiltration of
terrorists from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir, Mr Fernandes said
after Taliban and Al Qaeda were vanquished in Afghanistan, "armed units
of Taliban that fled from Kabul, entered Pakistan. Now they were provided
not only shelter by Pakistan, but all possible help including training,
which is in full knowledge of the world, America included. But how far
America would be ready to impress upon Pakistan to give up such dangerous
policies, is difficult to say as of today," he said.
