Prime Minister Manmohan Singh bluntly asked Pakistan on Saturday to shut down the anti-India terror machinery operating from its territory if it was really earnest about making “a new beginning” on relations with India.
On the eve of his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif, Singh also sought to make it clear that India will “never, ever” settle for a compromise with national unity and integrity in the name of resolving the Kashmir issue.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, a day after Sharif raked up the demand for a plebiscite to settle the Kashmir issue, Singh stated categorically: “There must be a clear understanding of the fact that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India and that there can never, ever, be a compromise with the unity and territorial integrity of India.”
Coming down hard on Islamabad’s handling of India-centric terror, Singh said: “State-sponsored cross-border terrorism is of particular concern to India, also on account of the fact that the epicentre of terrorism in our region is located in our neighbourhood in Pakistan.”
He referred to Sharif’s assertions about making “a new beginning” on ties with India from the same podium, and said: “I reciprocate his sentiments and am looking forward to meeting him on Sunday.” India, Singh said, is committed to resolving all issues with Pakistan, including the issue of Jammu & Kashmir, through bilateral dialogue on the basis of the Simla Agreement.
“However, for progress to be made, it is imperative that the territory of Pakistan and the areas under its control are not utilized for aiding and abetting terrorism directed against India,” the Prime Minister said, adding: “It is equally important that the terrorist machinery that draws its sustenance from Pakistan be shut down.”
He also spoke of the need for a renewal of commitment from the UN forum for “concerted, cohesive and continuing global action against terrorism”. “There can be no tolerance for states sheltering, arming, training or financing terrorists. Nor can they absolve themselves of the responsibility to prevent their territories from being used to launch acts of terrorism,” he said. In his address, the Prime Minister also highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive UN reforms, including expansion of the UN Security Council.
“For multilateralism to remain relevant and effective in the future, multilateral institutions need to be reformed,” he said, adding: “The place to begin is right here. The UN Security Council must be reformed and restructured to reflect current political realities. More developing countries should be included as both permanent and non-permanent members.”
He also wanted multilateral financial institutions to be reformed for an enhanced voice for developing countries in their decision making structures, adding these objectives require the building of a new international consensus. The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to attack the problem of global poverty urgently. With over a billion people living in abject poverty around the world, the issue constitutes a major political and economic challenge and its eradication requires special attention and a new thrust.