Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee voiced serious concern over reports regarding the possibility of nuclear weapons falling in the hands of terrorists in Afghanistan and sought complete elimination of weapons of mass destruction. There has been talk that some nuclear weapons might be lying in Afghanistan, he said, adding one had to visualise a scenario of such weapons falling in wrong hands and the consequences.
Observing that precautions should be taken as the humanity was on the brink of destruction, he said India was prepared to destroy its nuclear stockpile if other nuclear states also took similar steps.
Vajpayee made these remarks after honouring eminent jurist and Rajya Sabha MP L M Singhvi with ahimsa and sadbhawana samman at a function organised by Jain Mahasabha. In an apparent reference to the situation in Afghanistan, Vajpayee said it was felt that after the cold-war was over, there may not be any war and all the disputes would be resolved through dialogues.
But what has happened and what is happening presents a picture of concern for the future, he said, emphasising the relevance of non-violence.
The function was attended among others by former President R Venkataraman and former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao.
Bureau Report