Pakistan

Re Nirode C. Mohanty’s letter, June 10:

I think it is particularly offensive and hypocritical for Mohanty to baldly state that “Islamic fundamentalists from Afghanistan to Algeria with active military and other logistics, support Pakistan” in their efforts to drive India out of Indian-occupied Kashmir. There is no shred of evidence to support the canard that the popular uprising for self-determination of the Kashmiri people is driven by external forces inimical to India.

Kashmir is just one of several indigenous uprisings by minorities against harsh, racist central Indian rule. The world is well aware of the brutality being committed against the Assamese people and the Sikhs in Indian Punjab. Not too long ago, India forcibly occupied Goa and has been threatening Bhutan and Nepal ever since.

The issue is not Islamic fundamentalism in brutalized Kashmir, where a force of 500,000 Indian security troops, armed to the teeth, is facing down and terrorizing the innocent Muslim population. It is an issue of self-determination as mandated by the United Nations more than 40 years ago and in which India, a signatory, has refused to implement the Security Council resolution. The issue is India and its brazen reneging on an agreement with the world body. That this has caused anguish and popular resentment should come as no surprise. It is a case of the pot calling the kettle black!

SYED RIFAAT HUSSAIN

Minister (Press), Embassy of Pakistan

Washington