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India cannot sit in judgment: Musharraf

K J M Varma in Islamabad

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on Friday said he would not allow Indian leaders to sit on judgment of his crackdown on militants and asserted that Islamabad does not have to show anything to anyone to prove its credentials.

In a hard-hitting speech to Islamic religious leaders and scholars, Musharraf also asked them to leave issues like Kashmir to his government.

"We are going to deal with it. Have faith in me and leave it to me," he said.

He said the government was initiating certain actions to eradicate extremism in the interest of Pakistan.

Referring to a statement by Defence Minister George Fernandes, he said: "Pakistan is being asked to show action. Whatever Pakistan is doing, it is doing for itself and for its own good and benefit. We do not have to show anything to anyone... Pakistan does not allow anyone to sit on judgment."

He said Indian leaders should stop this kind of public posturing.

During his speech, Musharraf outlined the steps being taken by India to mobilise its troops at the borders, as well as keeping its air force and navy ready for action.

"Our forces are also fully alert and ready," he said, adding Pakistan was not going to bank on someone to help it in times of war. "We have to fight ourselves and we are ready."

He also sought the clerics' cooperation in eradicating violence and extremism from society.

PTI

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