Prime Minister Vajpayee's statement on the situation in Jammu & Kashmir

Udupi, Karnataka
January 18, 2001

The recent spurt in terrorist violence in Jammu & Kashmir and elsewhere in India, unleashed by Pakistan-based militant organizations has vitiated the atmosphere for resumption of talks between India and Pakistan. Terrorist attacks on our security forces and civilians have increased both in number and in their gravity. The incidents at the Red Fort and Srinagar airport, combined with the threat to strike at the Prime Minister’s Office, show that militant outfits, which are opposed to peace and normalcy in the State are alarmed at the prospects of fruitful dialogue between India and Pakistan.

What is particularly surprising and distressing is the fact that the leadership of Pakistan continues to do nothing to restrain these terrorist organizations, which operate from Pakistani soil, even as it professes its eagerness to resume talks with India. Its argument that violence will stop once talks begin is strange, to say the least. It convinces neither India nor the international community. There cannot be meaningful talks for resolving outstanding issues and normalizing bilateral relations when the guns of terrorist outfits continue to do their own talking.

India’s readiness to have talks with Pakistan at any level, including at the highest level has been well established. We have also strongly demonstrated our sincerity to create a conducive atmosphere for talks through specific confidence-building measures, such as unilateral cessation of combat operations in Jammu & Kashmir. However, the continuation of terrorist activities in and outside the State shows that the purpose of our taking these unilateral initiatives is not being fulfilled.

I urge the leadership of Pakistan to demonstrate its sincerity and commitment to the dialogue process by unequivocally condemning terrorist violence by Pakistan-based militant groups and effectively checking their anti-India activities. The onus of creating a positive atmosphere for bilateral talks rests clearly with Pakistan.