PAKISTAN’S COMPLICITY EXPOSED

We feel deeply concerned over the recent developments in Kashmir. A large number or raiders have entered the Kashmir Valley and they have done so in civilian disguise. They have all been trained by the Pakistan Army, and also fully armed and equipped. Their objective has been to create disruption and disorder in Kashmir, but their attempts have been effectively foiled. The entire world now knows the whole truth about the situation in Kashmir.

            The complicity of Pakistan has been exposed. The fighting which has been unleashed by Pakistan deceitfully through her armed personnel in civilian disguise, is contrary to every known canon of behaviour even in times of war.  By now, Pakistan must know that her adventures will cost her dearly and that they will not be allowed to succeed. The calculations of Pakistan in regard to the attitude of the local population have proved wrong. They have resisted the raiders and cooperated with the authorities.

            The security forces, both army and police, have shown gallantry of a very high order. They have had to face an opponent in sneaking disguise, which makes their task all the more difficult. But they have met the situation most effectively. They are combing out the raiders and this process would be pursued and they will be allowed no quarter.

            In many ways the new challenge is unprecedented. We have to be careful and cautious. We cannot afford to have any internal quarrels in the present state of affairs. I would appeal to the nation that we have to stand as one man and put aside our disputes and differences, to say the least, for a later date.…

Extract from Lal Bahadur Shastri’s speech in the Rajya Sabha on 19 August 1965