'Learn A Lesson From Agra Fiasco'

I am here to express my appreciation for this Government especially to theForeign Minister. I do not have any complaint with them. But it is a matter offact that the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister have failed to put theirviews in an explicit manner.

The war of independence of Kashmir was fought in 1947 and it is because ofthat war the Kashmir is an integral part of India today. It is true that GeneralMushrraff might not be aware of that war but the representatives who wereleading India had to make General Mushrraff aware of this fact.

The issue of Kashmir or the issue of Hindustan and Pakistan is not that mucheasy which we generally ought to think. I totally disagree with GeneralMushrraff’s view points but he hardly said anything here which he did notutter in Pakistan. He had stated in a very clear terms that he does not have anyother agenda except Kashmir.

In view of this, I do not know how the Leaders of Oppositions had advisedShri Jaswant Singh and Hon. Vajpayeeji to hold talks on other issues as well? Ido not know on what basis our Prime Minister and our Foreign Minister have shownthis dream to India? I am repeatedly saying it because of the fact that GeneralMushrraff had stated this before the entire world.

We are the founder members of SAARC. It was a forum where our Prime Ministerand General Mushrraff could have hold talks easily. At that time we were told wecouldn’t have discussion with any dictator.

Had we ever dreamt of that we ourselves will overlook the issue of Kashmirwhich has acceded to this country by their own will? It is not a question of anyland for Kashmir, it is a question of fundamental principles and ideologies.Kashmir is the only part of this country on which basis we can claim that Indiais a secular country.

I do wish that there should be mutual discussion and we should try to reachon settlement through discussion but it should not be done by lowering ourdignity.

We have manufactured atom bomb and celebrated. Our able Minister had goneahead and said that we will do pro active politics and are ready to face war inKashmir but I feel manufacturing of atom bomb is not a weapon to attack. Haveyou ever thought of it if you drop this bomb on Lahore what will happen toAmritsar?

Hon. Prime Ministerji when you went Lahore I told you at that time in thisHouse that you are taking risk by going there. Within three months there was aKargil war. What was this outcome? I fully agree with what Shri Somnathdada hasjust now stated in regard to foreign policy that it is not a question of oneparty but the entire nation’s prestige is at stake.

When General Musharraf was meeting with Hurriyat leaders, our leaders ofOpposition was waiting in the wings to get an opportunity to meet him. Did wehave a sense of India’s unity, pride and respect in our hearts at thatjuncture?

There is no other way than having a dialogue. I have no objection ifJaswantji or foreign secretary continues the dialogue but before visitingIslamabad, hon. Prime Minister should think time and again lest, he should comeacross with consequences worse than that of Agra. What should be the point ofagreement? Even after his utterances among the editors in Agra, you were hopefulof way out for agreement.

We are trying our best to improve our relations with a neighbour whoseintentions are malicious. You invited him very politely but what was hisimmediate reaction? Within 4-6 days of receiving the invitation, he declaredhimself President.

But with great sorrow and shame I have to state that today it is only Indiawhich recognises him as a President. Neither Chief Justice nor Judiciary ofPakistan recognises him as President. The opposition parties and other countriesof the world do not recognise him as President.

For the last two-three years, the Government have been inviting the leadersof Hurriyat or Hizbul Mujahiddin very often for dialogue without consulting theChief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Was it not our weakness? Inspite of allthese weaknesses, does the Government think that the General, who is responsiblefor Kargil War, would sign an agreement?

I am sure that hon. Prime Minister as well as the Minister of ExternalAffairs will learn a lesson from Agra fiasco and would not repeat the sameerror.