As India and Pakistan at a roundtable in the city yesterday blamed each other for the Kashmir crisis. Bangladesh reiterated its appeal to resolve the longstanding problem bilaterally for peace and greater interest of the region, reports UNB.
Amidst, allegation of violation of accords, specially by exporting Mujahideen to Indian territory. Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Irfan-ur-Reninan Raja said India crossed the line of control four times. "Were not those violation of Simla Agreement." he posed a question.
Raja pointed to the resolutions of 26th session of Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) and D-8 Summit, also attended by Bangladesh, which condemned the Indian violation and reaffirmed determination of Kashmiri people.
About the allegation of India’s violation of agreement by not ensuring self-determina-
tion of the Kashmiri people. Defence Advisor in Indian High Commission D Lahiri said there is no nation where there is no group of people who are dissatisfied.
Citing example of Kurds in Turkey and such other groups across the world. Lahiri said similar problem exists in Beluchistan. Pakistan. "Did Pakistan go for a plebiscite to resolve the problem? Do other nations instigate dissatisfied group in Beluchistan?"
The Indian defence official also accused Pakistan of violating the UN resolution that stipulated demilitarisation of the entire region. "UN observers seven or eight times mentioned the presence of Pakistani troops in India. Their presence still continued." he said.
"Armed people not only from Pakistan are trying to destabilise the situation in India. There are people also from Libya. Ethiopia and
Afghanistan in the Indian territory. Only God knows people from which country are not there." added Lahiri.
He denied India's violation of line of control in Siacheen. He also ruled out the allegation that Indian intelligence agencies are instigating terrorist activities in Karachi.
Several other speakers at the roundtable on "Security Perception in South Asia and Beyond." organised by Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs, were critical of Pakistan for its alleged policy of exporting Taliban.
’’Pakistan as per design of its intelligence agency, ISI, has created a Frankenstein of Taliban. They are sending the fundamentalist groups to fight not only in Kashmir, but also in Bangladesh." said Nirmul Committee leader Shahriar Kabir.
Echoing his views. Barrister Appeal
From Page 12 Ameer-ul-Islam. who is also President of SAARC Lawyers' Association said: "Had we tried the war criminals, the region would not have to experience any more war. Even, Pakistan would not have to face the problem like now in Karachi."
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Abul Hasan Chowdhury told the function that Bangladesh's foreign policy was on correct track. "We are not in a position to make any judgement. But we did our best for Eeace in the region.” Chowd-ury quoted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to have told the Indian Zee TV during her London visit when her views on the Kargil crisis was sought.
Referring to the PM's visit to Delhi and Islamabad after nuclear tests by India and Pakistan. he said her objectives were not to facilitate or interfere. "It was proactive role to bring the ancient neighbours closer and she* had told them to resolve the ’problem within themselves."
"The issue of conflict between India and Pakistan is not trilateral or multilateral one. It’s a bilateral issue and should be resolved bilaterally. We can only express our concern if the region gets tense because of conflict." saia the State Minister.
JSD President and Fisheries and Livestock Minister ASM Abdur Rob urged to stop illogical arms race in the region, reduce military expenditure and declare South Asia a nuclear-free zone.
"A joint arms monitoring team should be formed to control arms race in South Asia." he said. "The conseauences of nuclear arms ana poverty bombs on which the region is now sitting will be serious if we couldn't eliminate the two enemies right now."
When Abdul Mayeen Khan MP of BNP, cautioned against Bangladesh's involvement in any way in conflict between India and Pakistan which, he said, might be dangerous.
He was also critical of both India and Pakistan for not signing CTBT. "Even China signed the CTBT. but they refuse." he said urging the rivals to take advantage of SAARC in resolving the Kashmir crisis.
"Bangladesh's foreign policy should be like that of Switzerland. It should not be a party to any conflict between India and Pakistan." former State Minister for Planning said.
JSD General Secretary Hasanul Haq Inu emphasised the need for human security saying military security is not important when everybody talks of globalisation. "Per capita income of South Asian nations is below 300 dollars against 70.000 dollars in the developed world. It should be our prime concern."
Moderating the roundtable, former Foreign Secretary Wal-iur Rahman posed questions: "What do the South Asian nations really want — tension of stability? War or peace? Marginalisation or development?" The answer Is quite obvious and the way must be found out. he added.
Barrister Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed presided over the function that was also addressed by Tasmima Hossain MP, GM Kader MP. Prof Meghna Guha Thakurta, Shah Abdul Hannan. Abdul Mannan Chowdhury. Hasan Imam. Ali Aksad, Enay-tur Rahim, Dr Salahuddin Ahmed, Rosaline Costa and Shafiq Ahmed.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Chungui and diplomats from other countries. Including USA, Germany. Japan and Egypt were present.