ISI at work in Nepal -- George

ISI at work in Nepal -- George
Press Trust of India

New Delhi, Jan 1: Warning that ISI activities against India have increased lately, Defence Minister George Fernandes has said recent riots in Nepal and deliberate design to defame Army in Kashmir were part of the plot against New Delhi.

Pointing out that in the last few days "malicious campaign" was being spread that army was against ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir, Fernandes said this, and the manner in which some allegations were levelled against a film actor leading to large scale destruction of property belonging to Indians in Nepal, were "part of plot against New Delhi".

Linking it to a new dimension in ISI activities against Indian interest, the Defence Minister, addressing troops in far flung snowy outposts in Kargil and Dras area of Jammu and Kashmir, yesterday declared that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's ceasefire initiative was launched after due consultations and advice from all quarters including the top brass of the army.

"Even while extending the ceasefire upto January 26, the Prime Minister had consulted all including the Chief of the Army staff", Fernandes said.

He said while firing had reduced all along the Line of Control following New Delhi's ceasefire initiative "the activites by ISI against India instead of declining, have increased lately".

Fernandes said the anti-India feeling among the Nepalese was spread in a calculated manner.

The Minister called upon the media not to fall prey to "calculated propoganda of the ISI" saying that the sole aim of this canard was to damage India's national interest and its progress.

"At a time when we are passing through a critical phase, media should create a climate of confidence amongst the people instead of weakening it", the Minister said.

About Pakistan's claim of withdrawal of troops from the LOC, Fernandes contended that the step was not enough and that Islamabad should reciprocate by reining in ISI activities, controlling mercernary militant groups and eliminating cross border terrorism.

He said according to a United Nations report Pakistan had re-deployed a division of its troops from the border.

"Taking in view the long borders, re-deployment of one division cannot be termed adequate", Fernandes said.

Reffering to the controversy on Point 5353 in Mushkoh valley near Dras, that it had been captured by Pakistan, Fernandes said during his latest visit he stood on the peak and got himself photographed.

"This should end the controversy about this peak once for all", the Minister said.

Greeting the Jawans on New Year, the Defence Minister said in the new year the country's priority would be continuation of the modernisation drive in the armed forces as well as on self Reliance.

He said New Delhi was determined to follow the path of peace and progress and in this connection was open to dialogue with its neighbours including Pakistan.

"But Islamabad should create a conducive atmosphere for a meaningful dialogue, New Delhi has already taken a number of steps. It should reciprocate by containing ISI activities and eliminate cross border terrorism", Fernandes said.