The Hindu : National : Karat: bid to scuttle revival of democracy

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Saturday, Dec 29, 2007
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Karat: bid to scuttle revival of democracy

Special Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat on Friday described the assassination of the former Pakistan Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, as an attempt by fundamentalists to scuttle the efforts to restore democracy.

Talking to reporters here, Mr. Karat said it was in India’s interest that the situation in Pakistan stabilised at the earliest and democracy was restored. “Only then can the ongoing peace process between the two neighbours progress,” he said, adding that it was clear that the people there were yearning for a democratic form of government.

Mr. Karat said the present situation held out major lessons for the international community. He said that both Pakistan and the U.S. had earlier supported and aided the growth of fundamentalist forces such as the Taliban. “And now the very existence of Pakistan stands compromised and threatened,” Mr. Karat said, pointing out that the religious fundamentalists were now trying to dominate the political scene.

The Communist leader said the Union government should ensure that steps were taken so that the forces of fundamentalism, communalism and imperialism were not allowed to raise their head in India.

He said that at the same time concerted efforts were required to strengthen democracy.

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