Shillong: India and Pakistan would fail
to build adequate trust till the "violence supported from the
other side is stopped", former Army chief V P Malik said on Monday.
"So long as the terrorist activities supported from
the other side continue, trust between the two countries
cannot be built. If you take one step in a political dialogue,
a violent incident pushes you two steps back," Malik, who was
the Army chief during Kargil War, said here.
Referring to the repeated violation of ceasefire by
Pakistan along the Line of Control, Malik said: "The violence
supported from the other side should stop in order to build
adequate trust."
"Even though both the foreign ministers are scheduled
to meet soon, there have been repeated ceasefire violations.
While the political dialogue continues, the intelligence
agencies and other security forces should remain alert," he
told reporters during a visit to the residence of late Captain
SC Nongrum, who attained martyrdom in Kargil War.
Taking note of the increasing military cooperation
between Pakistan and China, Malik said, "It is possible that
we may have to face trouble on borders with both the countries
at the same time in future. We have to be prepared for it.
Asked if the Indian response during Kargil War was
late initially, Malik admitted to the fact.
"The picture given by the intelligence agencies was
that mujahiddins were behind the attack."
"The picture was painted again and again. Even in the
radio network Pakistani men spoke of presence of terrorists.
Till we actually realised that it was Pakistan army that was
behind the attack. It was about 15 days late," Malik said.
"Once we were clear, we used the artillery, IAF and faced
it with proper preparation," he said.
The former Army chief said that the present intelligence
apparatus in India was a matter of concern.
"The present home minister has sought to bring about some
systemic changes. Hope it results in better coordination and
results," he said.
PTI
