ISLAMABAD: India's home minister Rajnath Singh attended the SAARC Home Ministers' Conference in Islamabad, amongst severe protests, and gave an open speech expressing India's stand regarding Pakistan calling slain Kashmiri terrorist Burhan Wani a "martyr".
Speaking at the platform, Singh denounced "glorification and patronisation of terrorism" by any country. "One country's terrorist cannot be a freedom fighter for anyone... I also speak for the entire humanity, not just for India or other SAARC members; in urging that in no circumstances should terrorists be eulogised as martyrs," Singh said. "Countries that provide support, encouragement, give sanctuary and safe haven and assistance to terrorists and terrorism must be isolated. Moreover the will and mandate of the international community against proscribed and wanted terrorists and their organisations must also be respected and implemented," he said. "Immediate action is required against all those who support or encourage international terrorism, whether state actors or non-state. Only then justice will be ensured for the victims of terrorist attacks such as in Mumbai and Pathankot."
Responding to the statements, Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisal Ali Khan slammed the use of "excessive force to suppress protests in Kashmir", saying there was a difference between fighting for freedom and terrorism. "Brute force against children and torture of civilian qualifies as terrorism. It's important to respect the fundamental human rights of people and not suppress freedom struggle in the name of fight against terrorism," he said.
While Singh talked tough on terrorism, members of the Indian media who had come from New Delhi to report on the conference, were not allowed to cover his speech. They were reportedly kept at a distance by Pak officials which even led to a verbal dual between officers of either sides. Only Pak state PTV was allowed to cover introductory speeches of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Khan.
The troubled Indo-Pak relationship was evident when Singh barely shook hands with his counterpart Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan. They came across at Serena Hotel – SAARC conference venue – but the two leaders barely touched their hands. Singh along with senior officials of the Home Ministry went to Islamabad. He did not have any bilateral meeting with his Pakistani counterpart. Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and leaders of other terrorists groups wanted by the Indian agencies condemned Singh's visit to Pakistan.
