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.

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INDIA-CHINA
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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."

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INDIA-PAKISTAN
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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