Events in Afghanistan raise questions about use of terror as a tool to change state structures: Rajnath Singh
New Delhi, Sep 25 (UNI) The events in Afghanistan raise questions about the ‘use of terrorism as a tool to change state structure’, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday, and also named Pakistan as a state supporting terror groups.
In an address at the National Defence College, the Minister also said that India’s action at Balakot, where air-strikes were carried out, and Galwan valley, where Indian and Chinese soldiers were involved in a skirmish in May 2020 were examples that India will give ‘swift and befitting’ response to aggressors.
Talking about events in Afghanistan, Singh talked about the role of ‘power politics’ and said the turmoil has been brought about by “aggressive design and active support of non-state players, by irresponsible states”.
He also said the world in now paying heed to what India has been saying about Pakistan supporting terrorist groups.
“Recent events in Afghanistan have highlighted the reality of our times. The only certainly about evolving geopolitics is its instability,” Singh said.
He said changes in state boundaries may not be as frequent today as they once were, however, the influence external powers can have on changing structures of states is clearly evident.
“These events raise questions about the very role of power politics and the use of terrorism as a tool to change state structure and behaviour also. There is a growing realisation for what India has been voicing for long, with regard to active support of Pakistan to violent, radical and terror groups. Today the world is witness to the destabalising effect of terror, specially dangerous precedence violent radical forces attempting to gain legitimacy by creating new normal,” he said.
“The turmoil caused in the region has been brought about by agressive design and active support of non-state players, by irresponsible states. Today there is wide spread realisation among all responsible nations towards a common understanding to come together against this,” he said.
Singh added that India is ready to give swift and befitting reply to all aggressors.
“India has shown steady resolve that threats to its internal and external security will no longer be tolerated. Our actions in Balakot and Galwan are clear signals to the aggressors that by attempt to threaten our sovereignty will be given swift and befitting response,” he said.
Singh said India is facing “belligerence” along its land borders challenging the status quo.
He said there was “cross border support to terrorism” and “increasing effort to counter” India’s goodwill and outreach in the neighbourhood.
The Minister also stressed that rule of terror cannot last long.
“When these events are viewed, it is tempting to believe, fear, terrorism, medeival thoughts discriminations drawn on the basis of gender, steeped in inqauality and dogmatic thought, can sweep aside the wishes of people, plural ideas and structures. Nothing can be father from reality, human history is a great teacher,” he said.
“Our subcontinent has experienced many ‘dharm yuddh’ over centuries of its existance.
Injustice however powerful cannot and will not defeat the goodness inherent to human existence,” the minister said.
The comments come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to the U.S., where a meeting of QUAD was also held. Singh had earlier said India’s participation in QUAD is a part of its strategy in the changing geo-political situation.
It also comes in the backdrop of a meeting of Foreign Ministers of SAARC on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly was called off. Sources said the move came as Pakistan insisted on inviting Taliban representatives from Afghanistan.
UNI