Modi blasts Pakistan – First comments after Kashmir attack

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NEW DELHI, Sept 25, (AFP): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashed out at Pakistan Saturday accusing it of “exporting terrorists” after a deadly attack on an army base that New Delhi has blamed on Pakistan-based militants. Modi’s comments were the latest in a war of words between the neighbours over escalating tensions in disputed Kashmir, where 18 Indian soldiers were killed last week in the worst attack in the region for over a decade.

“This is the only country that is exporting terrorism in all corners,” Modi said, without directly naming Pakistan, in his first public comments since the attack. “Wherever there is news of terror, there is news that either the terrorist first went to this country or later, after the incident, like Osama Bin Laden,” he said addressing a rally in southern Kerala state.

Addressing the Pakistani people directly, he added: “We both gained independence in the same year but (today) India exports software and your leaders export terrorists.” India regularly accuses its arch-rival Pakistan of arming and sending rebels across the heavily militarised border that divides Kashmir between the two countries, to launch attacks on its forces. Islamabad denies the claims.

The Indian army has blamed the latest attack on Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad, which was also implicated in an audacious attack on an Indian air force base in Pathankot in the northern state of Punjab in January that left seven soldiers dead. That attack dashed hopes of a revival of peace talks, which have been on ice ever since.

On Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told the UN General Assembly that Pakistan wanted peace but New Delhi was an obstacle to talks. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the two gained independence from British rule in 1947.

Both claim the territory in full and have fought two wars over the region. On Sunday, the Hindu-nationalist prime minister seemed to appeal for calm among some of his right-wing supporters who have called for a muscular response against Pakistan in the wake of the latest attack. “India is ready for a war but let us fight a war on poverty, unemployment and let’s see who wins first, India or Pakistan,” he said.

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