Musharraf talks to Mumbai

NEW DELHI: President Pervez Musharraf  came through on television smelling the roses. The General in a business suit took on the airs of a mature statesman. The Indian government may not have been impressed, but for the average television viewer he appeared sincere, offering his condolences to the victims of the Mumbai blasts, warning against playing into the hands of terrorists and lamenting New Delhi’s decision to postpone the peace negotiations.

He hit the government where it hurt most and spoke of “unsubstantiated” allegations about Pakistan’s involvement in the serial blasts. Till date despite all the rhetoric New Delhi has not been able to come up with concrete evidence to nail Islamabad. The General was effectively challenging New Delhi to give him proof he could act on. He reminded India that blaming each other was a sign of defeat.

Conscious that his televised address would be monitored across the world, General Musharraf also  spoke of Pakistan’s  part in the coalition against terror and the all out help his country had extended in the war against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. He also pointed out to the US that the Taliban was now operating not from Pakistan but shifted back its base to Afghanistan.

Taking the cue from Indian leaders, who have over the years often tried to appeal directly to the people of Pakistan by-passing Islamabad, Musharraf attempted  a similar act in reaching out to the people of Mumbai.  

India has not officially reacted to Musharraf’s charges. But privately there were several comments. “He has said nothing new. Let us point out that evidence cannot be collected immediately. It takes time. On Kargil, it has taken seven years to get direct proof, and the proof has come from the General himself,” said an Indian official who did not wish to be identified.

The General also without naming India spoke of  “forces’’ working against Pakistan from within Afghanistan. “Does he have proof of that?” “Islamabad has been charging India repeatedly of fermenting trouble in Baluchistan. It has also said that Indian consulates in Afghanistan are creating problems for Pakistan. Has Pakistan got evidence to back these claims,’’ said another official, who also refused to be named.

“There was much of rhetoric but nothing substantial. He would have convinced us if he promised to crack down on terror groups like the Lashkar and Jaish-e-Mohammed who are openly planning attacks against India from Pakistani territory,’’ said another official. Former finance minister Yashwant Singh, speaking to a television channel said: “The litmus test for Pakistan is to crack down on terror. They must co-operate with India like they have done with the US.”