India will never succumb to terror in J&K, says PM

Asserting that India will never succumb to or compromise with terror in Jammu and Kashmir or elsewhere, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday firmly rejected any justification for terrorism and indiscriminate killing of innocent people.

Addressing the 60th session of the UN General Assembly attended by over 160 heads of state and government, the Prime Minister regretted that the United Nations suffered from a "democracy deficit," saying unless it became more representative of the contemporary world, its ability to deliver on Millennium Development Goals would continue to be limited.

		SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS   The Manmohan-Musharraf talks were held on the sidelines of the UN summit. A joint statement was read out by Musharraf with Manmohan standing by his side.   Meeting in New York Hotel lasted for about four hours.   Musharraf pledged not to allow terrorism to impede peace process.   They affirmed commitment to the decisions taken at New Delhi and agreed to expedite implementation.   They welcomed release of over 500 prisoners on both sides, agreed to continue this process.   Expressed commitment to ensure a peaceful settlement of all pending issues, including J&K.   Musharraf invited Manmohan to visit Pakistan, the PM agreed.
		HindustanTimes. com Special 60th Anniversary of UN India-Pak Talking Peace

"We shall never succumb to or compromise with terror, in J&K or elsewhere," Singh said in his three-page address.

He emphasised that democratic governance both within nations and in the global institutions would constitute a powerful weapon in meeting the global scourge of terrorism.

"We must not yield any space to terrorism. We must firmly reject any notion that there is any cause that justifies it. No cause could ever justify the indiscriminate killing of innocent men, women and children."

The Prime Minister pointed out that for several years, India has faced cross-border terrorism directed against its unity and territorial integrity.

Singh's remarks came hours after the UN speech by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf who said there was need to "understand and address the motives behind terrorist acts. These may not justify terrorism; but they explain it".

The Pakistan President also said it was essential to find a "just solution" to the Kashmir problem "acceptable to Pakistan, India and above all the people of Kashmir". He wanted implementation of the UN resolutions including that of the Security Council on Kashmir.

Observing that India has a "special regard" for the UN, Singh likened it to the ancient Indian concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" or "the whole world is one family".

He reminded world leaders that it was this idea of a shared destiny which encouraged the UN, five years ago, to adopt the Millennium Development Goals.

"Five years later, we find that the international community is generous in setting goals, but parsimonious in pursuing them," he said.

Contending that management of global interdependence required strong international institutions and a rule-based multilateral system, the Prime Minister said the reforms must include the expansion of the Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories.

First Published: Sep 16, 2005 00:48 IST