CROSS CONNECTIONS

A series of contradictory statements embarrasses the UPA Government and weakens India’s case on cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and the ISI’s role in the Mumbai blasts. The knee-jerk reactions on issues of national security also give the Opposition enough ammunition.

M.K. NARAYANAN NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER
“I would hesitate to say we have clinching evidence.”
October 22, 2006

“The evidence on Mumbai blasts is conclusive and convincing.”
October 13, 2006

V.K. DUGGAL HOME SECRETARY
“we have very good evidence, It is fairly solid evidence.”
October 23, 2006

MANMOHAN SINGH PRIME MINISTER
“All i can say we have credible evidence.”
October 24, 2006

“Infiltration is down and vested interests are playing up stray incidents of violence.”
september 23, 2006

PRANAB MUKHERJEE THEN DEFENCE MINISTER*
“pakistan is the nursery of Global terrorism.”
september 29, 2006

“Despite our best efforts to improve relations, there’s no change in pakistan’s support to cross-border terrorism.”
october 19, 2006

“It’s a needless controversy. The NSA clearly says there is plenty of evidence”
oct 26 2006

“Infiltration from across the border has gone up considerably in the recent past”
september, 2006

SHIV SHANKAR MENON, THEN ENVOY TO PAKISTAN**
“pakistan has suffered terror attacks.Their leaders have been attacked.”
september 17, 2006

*Now external affairs minister **Now foreign secretary

Index