India cautions Pak over Gen ‘core issue’ remark

Musharraf, in his address that was beamed live via satellite, repeatedly emphasised on Kashmir as the ‘‘core issue’’ and that its resolution was crucial to the success of the peace process. He, in fact, said there had been a change in the Indian approach as it had accepted Pakistan as a party in the ‘‘dispute’’ which is acknowledged in the joint statement.

But New Delhi clarified that the Islamabad joint statement does not refer to any central or core issue. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the joint statement delineates how the process has to be sustained and taken forward. Musharraf, India pointed out, had reassured Vajpayee that territory under Pakistan’s control will not be used to support terrorism in any manner. ‘‘There is no reference to any so-called central or core issue, but to addressing all bilateral issues, including J-K.’’

In taking the peace process ahead, New Delhi said it was important that there is no such public rhetoric which sits oddly with the restraint observed since January. ‘‘Any unilateral interpretation of the joint press statement is not conducive to building trust, taking the process forward; nor is public rhetoric, which is also contrary to the understandings and restraints observed since January.’’ India also felt that Musharraf was indulging in ‘‘double standards’’ by describing the recent attack on him as ‘‘terrorism’’, but viewing the attacks on the J-K Assembly and bid on the life of J-K CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as a ‘‘freedom fight’’. These ‘‘are clearly not tenable’’.

Taking note of Musharraf’s comments that CBMs cannot move at a quick pace while there is slow movement in the composite dialogue, India said: ‘‘The reality of the vast goodwill among the people of the two countries, clearly manifested today, and being further consolidated through the CBMs needs to be acknowledged and built upon.’’