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CNN Saturday Morning News
Interview With Lalit Mansingh
Aired October 27, 2001 - 10:17 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
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 if 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.
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