The Hindu : National : “Patil statement at variance with Antony’s view”

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Wednesday, Jul 04, 2007
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“Patil statement at variance with Antony’s view”

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday took exception to a statement by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil that India should not always blame Pakistan for terrorist violence here and infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir.

Referring to a report in the media, party spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said it was unfortunate that a senior minister had made the statement a day ahead of the start of India-Pakistan talks.

“If we do not blame Pakistan, should we blame the Government of India?” The statement was at variance with the view of Defence Minister A.K. Antony, and did not reflect the ground situation.

There were 82 attempts at infiltration in April this year, 62 in May, and 40 terrorists were killed in June, Mr. Javadekar said.

Mr. Antony was recently reported as having said the increase in infiltration was worrisome.

“Mr. Patil must withdraw the statement and the Government must clarify whether it stands by what Mr. Patil said or what Mr. Antony said earlier.”

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