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Pakistan will meet the same fate as in 1971, asserts Advani

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

Union Home Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani today asserted the nation's determination not to rest "till the last intruder is thrown out from Kargil-Drass sector".

Addressing migrants from Kargil at Sanku on the outskirts of the deserted town, Advani said: "It may take some time, but we will definitely push them back."

He said, "Though [it has been] aiding and abetting militancy and engineering blasts in Kashmir for the past several years, Pakistan has for the first time after 1971 pushed in its army against India and this time they will meet the same fate as in '71."

He said the eyes of the entire country are on Kargil and the people are standing like a rock behind the armed forces and the people of the border areas who are facing the challenge with courage.

Assuring the displaced persons of all assistance from the Centre, Advani said, "The people of Drass will return to their homes only when the situation improves. Nobody leaves his home just for pleasure, and as long as they face a risk to their lives and livestock they will not return."

He promised that till such time that they return home, their needs will be met by the Centre, and announced a grant of Rs 2 crore from the prime minister's fund for the purpose.

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah put forward to the home minister the demand of the youth of Kargil to form a 'Kargil Scouts' on the pattern of the Ladakh Scouts. Such a force, he said, is essential to keep the peace on the border.

Advani later returned to Srinagar and held discussions with the state authorities on the situation in Kashmir. He also met soldiers undergoing treatment in the army hospital.

The home minister was forced to cancel his scheduled visit to Udhampur by bad weather.

EARLIER REPORT:
Advani to review Kargil situation

The Kargil Crisis

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