BJP chief Rajnath Singh on Friday demanded New Delhi to recall its High Commissioner in Islamabad and immediately scale down diplomatic engagement with Pakistan in the wake of fidayeen attack at a CRPF camp in Srinagar. For its part, the RSS rejected Pakistan National Assembly resolution condemning the execution of Afzal Guru.
Singh feared the situation could turn even worse after withdrawal of NATO forces from Afghanistan and suggested UPA to strengthen India’s military power through “increase in number and rapid modernisation of forces”.
“The BJP believes that to maintain peace in the region, having an Army capable of facing emerging challenges is a must. Durable peace can be maintained only from a position of strength and not from a position of weakness,” Singh said.
The BJP chief suggested Centre to also suspend the ongoing Confidence Building Measures for the time being if Pakistan refuses to abide by its January 2004 commitment that no terrorist activities against India would be carried out on its soil.
“A series of events from beheading of Indian soldiers, blasts in Hyderabad and attack on CRPF camp in Srinagar have exposed the UPA Government’s inability to deal with cross-border terrorism. No concrete action has been taken by the UPA to prevent our cities and people from these terrorists,” he alleged.
At its annual meeting of apex decision making body in Jaipur, the RSS described Pakistan Assembly’s resolution as ‘unwarranted interference’. “Returning of the body of terrorist Afzal Guru was made an issue in the Parliament of Pakistan and a resolution was also passed which is unwarranted interference by Pakistan and RSS strongly criticises it,” senior RSS leader Dattatrey Hosbole told reporters.
He alleged that Pakistan was adopting a double standard on the issue of terror. “At the one hand, they refuse to accept the body of Mumbai terror attack convict Ajmal Kasab and on the other side they demand the body of Afzal Guru. This clearly shows the double standards of Pakistan,” Hosbole said.
The BJP chief also claimed his party firmly believed that almost all terrorist activities in India were sponsored by Pakistan and by adopting a resolution on Afzal Guru in its National Assembly; Pakistan has given its stamp of approval on its association with terrorist groups.
“Unfortunately the incumbent Government at the Centre has no action plan or firm conviction to fight against terrorism. The BJP has given its full support to the Government if it takes strong steps to counter terrorist activities from Pakistan but the Government has disappointed us and the people of this country. The UPA Government has expended and its energy targeting the BJP and giving little attention to safeguard the country from terrorism,” Singh said.