New Delhi, 01 July (H.S.): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National General Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on leaders, including Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Manoj Jha, Humayun Kabir and Mani Shankar Aiyar, for supporting the restoration of normal relations and dialogue with Pakistan.
In a statement issued to the media, Chugh said it was deeply unfortunate that some political leaders in India continue to ignore the grim reality of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism while attempting to create an atmosphere favourable to Pakistan. He alleged that such leaders were overlooking the suffering of India, the biggest victim of terrorism, and instead lending support to Pakistan's propaganda.
Chugh said that if these leaders were genuinely concerned about peace, they should write not to the Government of India but to the government and military establishment in Pakistan. He said they should demand that Pakistan immediately shut down all terrorist training camps operating on its soil, completely end cross-border terrorism and infiltration, stop providing protection and financial support to terrorist organisations, and publicly acknowledge its role before the international community.
He further said Pakistan should declare that it would permanently end the training, arming, financing and sheltering of terrorists.
Chugh said that if these leaders were sincere advocates of peace, they should also urge Pakistan to stop treating terrorism as an instrument of state policy and accept responsibility before the international community. According to him, this is the first and most essential prerequisite for lasting peace.
He alleged that the Gupkar Alliance and its ideological supporters have for years attempted to create a false equivalence between India, which has been a victim of terrorism, and Pakistan, which he described as its sponsor, despite the international community being well aware of Pakistan's role.
Chugh said those advocating dialogue with Pakistan should first answer to the families of soldiers and innocent civilians who lost their lives in Pakistan-sponsored terrorist attacks, including those in Mumbai, Pathankot, Uri, Pulwama, Pahalgam and elsewhere.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India remains firmly committed to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. India's sovereignty, national security and the safety of every citizen are paramount, he said, adding that there can be no compromise on these issues. Chugh said India would continue to expose Pakistan-sponsored terrorism at international forums and would not compromise on national interests under any circumstances.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
