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| India-Pakistan |
| Kashmir militants plan new attacks |
| 2002-05-25 |
| Islamist extremists backed by a powerful wing of the Pakistan army are preparing to launch new guerrilla attacks in Kashmir, raising fears that their activities could push the subcontinent into nuclear war. Militants backed by the Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) have described how they are acquiring funds and training for guerrilla conflict in Kashmir, in violation of a government ban. This is regardless of Perv's intentions or desires. To hell with the prospect of total destruction and the death of millions! Although Pakistan's military regime announced a crackdown on Islamist extremists in January and arrested 2,000 militants, there is mounting evidence that Pakistani groups are still heavily involved in the war in Kashmir. Several hundred ISI officers, who have personally backed extreme Islamists, remain opposed to General Pervez Musharraf's decision to back America in its "war on terror" and, according to a senior Pakistani military source, have avoided a recent purge of the agency's leadership. But... But... But Perv said he was in control! Britain is deeply concerned at the events in Kashmir and the intentions of Pakistan's military. A senior Whitehall source said: "Whether or not Musharraf is turning a blind eye we don't know. What is clear is that the ISI is up to its old tricks." Doesn't matter whether he's turning a blind eye or if he's all-seeing if they don't pay any attention to him, does it? <STATEMENT OF THE OBVIOUS> Gen Musharraf has insisted there is no resistance to his decision to side with America and to pursue a more moderate agenda at home, and that the ISI is acting under his orders alone. However, western diplomats yesterday disputed his claim. "Musharraf in January promised infiltration [of militant groups in Kashmir] would stop. It has not happened", one diplomat said. </STATEMENT OF THE OBVIOUS> Officials described the ISI's continuing involvement with extremists groups as a "key issue". The groups needed the ISI for training, money, and weapons, they said. Without the ISI the whole thing withers on the vine... Yesterday Chris Patten, the EU's external affairs commissioner, met government officials in New Delhi after a similar round of meetings in Islamabad. He said tensions between the two nations were high. "I think India's patience is close to breaking," he said. "Unless we see progress in reduction in the level of infiltration [of militants] and a reduction in the level of violence in Jammu and Kashmir, the outlook is bleak. Frankly [Pakistan has] got to deliver more than they have so far." And Perv's not in a position to do that because he's not the one in control of events. |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |