MEDIA REACTION: INDIA-CHINA, INDIA-PAKISTAN;

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 001961 SIPDIS STATE FOR NP, AC, PM STATE FOR INR/MR STATE FOR SCA/INS, PM/CBM, PM/PRO STATE FOR SCA/PPD, PA/RRU STATE FOR AID/APRE-A USDOC FOR 4530/IEP/ANESA/OSA FOR BILL MURPHY E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO PGOV PREL IN SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: INDIA-CHINA, INDIA-PAKISTAN; NEW DELHI. This countrywide cable reports on relevant media reaction/opinion from India's large non-English press. The Mission reports on English-language media via email through the daily "Early Edition" summary. -------------- INDIA-CHINA -------------- ¶1. "CHINA-CONCERN," editorial in September 20 right-of- center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Army Chief Deepak Kapoor's saying that there is no cause for alarm over alleged Chinese incursions is not enough. There should be more clarification from the government, particularly in the light of concern among the Indian public. To keep in step with the powerful countries, India should not only be thinking of strengthening itself on the defense front, but also on the social and economic front. India has many administrative weaknesses, which should be addressed if we are to gain in real strength. At present, we stand nowhere in comparison with China. The world can see it, why can't our policy makers? War is out of the question in the present scenario. But we cannot afford to be complacent." -------------- INDIA-PAKISTAN -------------- ¶2. "PAKISTAN'S OLD TRUTH," op-ed article in September 20 right-of-center Hindi daily, DAINIK JAGRAN: "Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has now gone back on his statement that U.S. military aid was used to strengthen forces against India. The reason is clear. He is becoming extremely unpopular for including Pakistan in America's war against terror and becoming a U.S. puppet. And he has realized that this is not something that the U.S. does not already know. In return for Musharraf's participation, the U.S. turned a blind eye to Pakistan's running its nuclear program with China's support. On the face of it, Musharraf was supporting the U.S. in a proxy war against Taliban, but actually he was providing shelter to Taliban and Al- Qaida terrorists." ¶3. "PAKISTAN IS THE WORLD'S MOST ROGUISH NATION" editorial in September 21 centrist Gujarati daily, GUJARATMITRA: "Having Pakistan as a neighbor is India's weakness and misfortune. Despite being fully aware that Pakistan is the epicenter of global terrorism, nations of the world lack the nerve to take such a rogue nation to task. On the contrary, responsible nations like the U.S. continue to provide largesse in the form of aid to this growing monster. Besides, what will America's reaction be if we intend to take action against such an impish neighbor? This displays our helplessness and meekness in dealing with threats of terrorism. If the world fails to act now, there is no reason why India should remain suppressed." NEW DELHI 00001961 002 OF 002 ¶4. "NEW CHALLENGE OF TERRORISM," editorial in September 19 right-of-center Hindi daily, AMAR UJALA: "A Princeton University report that says that the targets of terrorism are mostly developed countries, including India, is worrisome. At the same time, Israel has also warned that the Pakistan-based group which executed the Mumbai attacks is again plotting attacks in India. Israel's warning cannot be ignored. It is noteworthy that the U.S. has asked Pakistan again to punish the 26/11 perpetrators. We should be extremely careful and alert because any war against terror cannot be won without people's cooperation." ¶5. "KHAN'S LETTER-BOMB," editorial in September 22 centrist Marathi daily, SAKAAL: "The letter written by Pakistani atomic scientist A Q Khan has not just once again revealed the country's nexus with the controversial nuclear programs of Iran, North Korea and Libya, but it has also bared Pakistan's potential in jeopardizing world peace. It is rather interesting that Khan has named late Benazir Bhutto who had allegedly asked him to give nuclear technology know-how to Iran when she was the Prime Minister. That is an eye-opening revelation for those who have still not acknowledged the perennial anti-India sentiment prevalent in the Pakistani leadership." ¶6. "CANNOT TRUST PAKISTAN," editorial in September 22 Telugu daily, SAKSHI: "It could seem that Pakistan is moving ahead by registering two new cases against Jamaat-ul-Dawa chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed by the Government of Punjab Province for his involvement in the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai based on the inputs provided by India. These acts should be seen in the context of the evidence provided on Saeed's involvement by Union Home Minister, P. Chidambaram, to the External Affairs Minister, Hillary Clinton, during his recent visit to America a few days back. Last Friday U.S. Ambassador to India Mr. Timothy J. Roemer met Chidambaram and asserted that along with Saeed stern action has to been taken against each and every one associated with the 26/11 attacks and this is what America was anticipating." ROEMER