Author:
Publication: CNN Saturday Morning
News
Date: October 27, 2001
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS
COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: Since
the start of the U.S.-led strikes against Afghanistan, violence in the
Kashmir region has soared. Nearly a dozen Pakistani militant groups are
fighting India's rule in the region. Authorities say more than 30,000 people
had been killed in nearly 11 years of rebellion.
Lalit Mansingh is the Indian ambassador
to the United States and he joins me now to talk more about the delicate
situation in the region.
Good morning, Mr. Ambassador.
LALIT MANSINGH, INDIAN AMBASSADOR
TO THE UNITED STATES: Good morning.
SAVIDGE: Has the violence in the
region changed either up or down as a result of an incursion by the U.S.
into Afghanistan? Has that had any impact?
MANSINGH: Well, we were hoping that
there would be lessening of violence in Jamun (ph) Kashmir, but that hasn't
happened.
SAVIDGE: Why do you think that is
the case there?
MANSINGH: Well, I think it relates
to what Pakistan is doing. Pakistan is on the one hand, a member of the
coalition, in the fight against terrorism, but on the other hand, is sponsoring
terrorism against India in Jamun (ph) Kashmir.
(CROSSTALK)
MANSINGH: I'm Sorry.
SAVIDGE: Go ahead, sir.
MANSINGH: Yes, well, I think Pakistan
has to make a choice. It can't carry on both activities at the same time.
SAVIDGE: Do you think that Pakistan
may be feeling that it has some sort of green light here because it is
cooperating so closely with the United States in the effort in Afghanistan?
MANSINGH: I think Pakistan would
be mistaken in seeing this as a signal. Of course, the U.S. is preoccupied
with the military situation in Afghanistan, but that does not mean that
international opinion will accept terrorism going on elsewhere at the same
time.
SAVIDGE: The United States has made
it clear that it is a war against terrorism. You point out that Pakistan,
you believe, is instigating terrorism here.
MANSINGH: That's right. That's right.
SAVIDGE: That's a very difficult
or double-edged sword for the United States. How should the U.S. handle
this?
MANSINGH: Well, the U.S. should
handle it by facing the truth that an important ally in this war is also
indulging in terrorism.
SAVIDGE: Do you think the United
States is sort of turning a blind eye because it is convenient in the effort
there?
MANSINGH: No, I don't think. I think
what happens is the United States often focuses on one issue at a time.
And I think it is preoccupied with their military action in Afghanistan.
But we've been assured that terrorism in Kashmir is covered by the international
war against terrorism.
In fact, two of the major terrorist
groups, which are operating in Kashmir have been named and action is being
taken against them by the United States.
SAVIDGE: As the world is focusing
its attention on that region, do you think there is an opportunity here
to come up with either a stabilizing solution or perhaps a long-term solution
for peace?
MANSINGH: Well, I think that if
you attack terrorism and remove terrorism from the region, it release to
peace and stability. So what is happening is good in the long run because
it removes some major sources of stability not really for our region but
for the entire world.
SAVIDGE: We're almost out of time,
but where does India stand and specifically public opinion on the United
States' military incursion into Afghanistan and the war on terrorism?
MANSINGH: We understand. It's our
cause. We've been fighting against terrorism. Now, there is a global fight
against terrorism led by the United States. Public opinion is very supportive.
As you know, we were one of the
first countries to come up with an offer of cooperation without any conditions
attached. That's our standing.
SAVIDGE: Ambassador, thank you very
much for joining us this morning.
MANSINGH: Thank you.
SAVIDGE: Ambassador Lalit Mansingh
is the Indian ambassador to the United States.
