‘Antony must apologise for remark’
Maintaining that there were “palpable contradictions” in the statement made by defence minister A.K. Antony and the Army on the Poonch killings, the BJP on Wednesday demanded that the minister should apologise as his remarks were intended to “exonerate” Pakistan as the government wants to continue talks with its neighbour. The principal Opposition claimed that if the talks continue in a situation in which Pakistan Army is named for the killing of five Indian soldiers, “the nation would feel outraged.” The issue was raised during the senior BJP leaders meeting with the Prime Minister later in the evening. With BJP opposing talks with Pakistan following the LoC killings, the CPI(M) said “war was not a solution” and the government should find ways to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Accusing Mr Antony of making a “false” statement, BJP parliamentary party chief L.K. Advani said “I hold that what the ‘raksha mantri’ has said in the House is intended only to exonerate Pakistan government and absolve it of the responsibility of killing five Indian soldiers.” When asked why the defence minister would make a contradictory statement, he said “I have a feeling that the government wants to continue talks with Pakistan.” The party said while defence wing’s statement categorically accuses the Pakistan Army for the incident, the defence minister told both Houses of Parliament that the ambush was carried out by some persons dressed in Pakistan Army uniform. The BJP has suggested to the government that Mr Antony and the defence ministry — which blames Pakistan Army and terrorists for the attacks — statements should be reconciled.
Asserting that “war is not a solution,” senior CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said “I don’t see the government foreclosing all options, except war... But ways and means have to be found to ensure that such incidents don’t happen in future.”
Senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, who moved a breach of privilege notice against Mr Antony in Lok Sabha, said “He is not only guilty of misleading the House with his statement, but he has further compounded his guilt by getting the Army’s statement, which was issued before his statement, changed.”
Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said there should be no talks between India and Pakistan.
“There is no atmosphere for talks. You (government) are enthusiastic about the talks, but people think otherwise. You cannot have attacks and talks at the same time,” he said.
Asking the government to make clear the reasons for the “compulsion” to hold talks with Pakistan, deputy leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad asked “Is security of India more important or the compulsion to hold talks.”
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