No warlike situation, claims Fernandes

Union defence minister George Fernandes has expressed confidence that the diplomatic efforts by the country will yield desired results and will compel Pakistan to crack down on terrorists on their land. He said despite the heavy buildup of troops on the border, there was no warlike situation.

Mr. Fernandes, who was on a one day visit to the state, held a meeting with chief minister Narendra Modi and discussed the situation prevailing in the country. In a brief meeting with reporters at the circuit house annexe here, Mr. Fernandes said the country is prepared to face any challenge but said he did not think that the situation will escalate into a war with Pakistan at this stage. When asked about his visits to border-states Mr. Fernandes said, "As a defence minister it is my responsibility to keep an eye on the borders of the country."

"The morale of the defence forces is very high and the Indian forces are ready to retaliate and respond to any mischief from across the border." He added. Mr. Fernandes had earlier visited the sensitive Kutch-Banaskantha border near Pakistan in the evening.

The defence minister said he is visiting the frontline army and airforce positions to supervise the preparedness of troops. Mr. Fernandes said he met the jawans on the frontline and the morale of the troops is "superb".

Later, after a meeting with Mr. Fernandes chief minister Narendra Modi said the attack on the Parliament was a well-planned conspiracy by Pakistan. He said drumming up of a rhetoric and accusing India of creating a warlike situation was a crude attempt to gain sympathy and shift the world focus from the fact that Pakistan is a nucleus of terrorism and is shielding Osama bin Laden.

Mr. Fernandes and the chief minister held discussions on a wide range of topics regarding steps to be taken to face challenges of border security. Discussions were also held on enhancing security in the state on account of it being a border state and ensure that there is no lacuna in the coordination between security agencies of the state and the Centre.

Mr. Modi said Pakistan, in its present state of desperation may resort to any step and the state should take adequate care and keep tight vigil. He said the discussion also included internal security and civil defence matters.

The chief minister said the G-8 statement endorsing the country's stand is a clear indication that Pakistan has been exposed and is diverting attention by accusing India of creating a war hysteria.

Republished from The Asian Age