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'Killings meant

to frighten

Kashmiris'

ISLAMABAD: The military and foreign policy experts on Saturday said the brutal massacre of 14 civilians by Indian army across the Line of Control in Azad Kashmir was aimed at brow-beating Pakistan and frightening the people of occupied Kashmir.

"It is a state-sponsored act of terrorism by Indian army committed out of utter frustration owing to its failure to suppress the brave Kashmiri people fighting for their right to self-determination," former vice chief of army staff Gen. Khalid Mehmood Arif (Retd) said.

About 20 Indian army soldiers intruded across LoC into Lanjoot valley of Azad Kashmir late Thursday night and mercilessly butchered three men, six women and four children in a savage attack. Indian troops armed with daggers, grenades and sharp-edged weapons left three bodies headless and others badly mutilated.

Gen. Arif condemned the massacre of innocent people at the hands of Indian army as a "cowardly act."

"This intrusion of Indian troops indicates that LoC does not have any sanctity. Sooner the LoC goes, the better it will be for Pakistan and Kashmiris," the former general added.

He said this cruel act of Indian army should send a clear signal to US President Bill Clinton, "who is visiting a country which indulged in such barbaric and inhuman activities." "This barbaric act should dissuade President Clinton from visiting such a country."

Kamal Matiuddin, renowned columnist, in his remarks said Indian army's brutal operation seemed to be part of New Delhi's well-conceived strategy to raise tension before the visit of President Clinton to the region. "It is a provocative act meant to instigate Pakistan and shift the blame on Islamabad for raising tension in the region."

"Pakistan has shown maturity so far. It has to act responsibly so that it does not fall prey to Indian trap."

He added: "Obviously, we have to address the sentiments of our people and at the same time we have to act in a matured and responsible way."

"It is worst kind of state terrorism. It is in fact brutalisation of democracy committed by world's so-called largest democracy," Ambassador Sardar Ahmed said.

He said the merciless killings of unarmed people had once again exposed the ugly face of India's Hindu extremist government led by Atal Behari Vajpayee.

He cited a recent statement of Indian army chief Gen. Malik that his troops would carry out cross-border operations against Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.

"The Indian president, at one hand calls for peace and on the other, his own army chief violates these orders and gives threatening statements against neighbouring countries."

Ahmed said the brutal murders of 14 civilians spoke of growing frustration in the Indian army in the wake of spectacular successes made by Kashmiri Mujahideen. APP