MEDIA REACTION: PAKISTAN-TERRORIST ATTACK ON SRI

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 NEW DELHI 000417 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: PAKISTAN-TERRORIST ATTACK ON SRI LANKA CRICKET TEAM; 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. -------------- -------------- PAKISTAN-TERRORIST ATTACK ON SRI LANKA CRICKET TEAM -------------- -------------- ¶1. "A BARBARIC ACT" editorial in March 5 Guwahati Assamese ASAMIYA PRATIDIN. "... The attack on the Sri Lankan cricketers has clearly demonstrated the inability of Pakistan's present regime to rein in the Taliban who are running a parallel government within its territory ... The world community needs to pay immediate attention to Pakistan if it wants to eliminate terrorism altogether ... India should also use the opportunity to mobilize international opinion to put more pressure on Pakistan ... Allowing the Taliban and other fundamentalist groups to continue operate this way from...Pakistan or Bangladesh will be too dangerous not only for the stability of the sub-continent but for world peace also." ¶2. "TERROR STAINED CRICKET WITH BLOOD" editorial in March 5 Guwahati Assamese centrist ASAMIYA KHABOR. "... The Lahore attack exposed the weakness of Pakistan's internal security management .... The country could not even ensure necessary safety for its foreign guests ... Growing activities of Pakistan based jihadi groups pose serious challenges to the international community ... The main objective of these groups is to turn Pakistan into a terrorist state so that they can flourish ... Pakistan will suffer the most if it fails to dismantle the jehadi network completely." ¶3. "PAKISTAN IN A SHAMBLES", editorial in March 4 centrist NAVBHARAT TIMES Hindi daily: "The way terrorists attacked cricket players in Pakistan shows that the country's own administrators have no clue as to what is happening within. This incident shows that the Zardari Administration has no clue as to how to run the country. Leave alone the rest of the world, this administration has no standing in its own country. In its search for legitimacy and acceptance this government did not even think twice before making peace with the Taliban in Swat. To the contrary they are touting this deal as a great peace initiative to the West." ¶4. "PAKISTAN TOWARDS DESTRUCTION", editorial in March 4 right of center DAINIK JAGRAN Hindi daily: "The terrorist attack on cricketers in Pakistan shows that militants are poised to take over the country and the present administration is helpless in preventing that. The terrorists have shown that they will not even shirk from doing anything that disgraces Pakistan. Today Pakistan can be compared to Afghanistan or Somalia. It remains to be seen if this incident wakes up the powers that be in Pakistan, or if they will continue to be in a state of denial. Since Pakistan seems doomed, neighboring nations will need to chart their strategies." NEW DELHI 00000417 002 OF 002 ¶5. "TERRORISTAN" editorial in the March 5, 2009 multi- edition right-of-center Gujarati daily GUJARAT SAMACHAR. "The deadly attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore is a clear signal that Pakistan has become 'Terroristan'. This incident reveals that Pakistan is not capable in ensuring even the safety of its guests, let alone its own security personnel. The hydra-headed monster of terrorism that Pakistan has nurtured over the years is now at its doorstep waiting to consume its master. Anarchy and chaos have penetrated to such an extent there that they endanger Pakistan's territorial integrity... Despite all these facts, Pakistan continues to market itself as a victim of terrorism and unfortunately the world continues to believe this parroted statement. America might take it lightly but it too might have to bear the brunt [face attacks like the 9/11] considering the current state of affairs in Pakistan. America's aid and the unaccountability of the funds is making Pakistan all the more blatant in its approach. The Lahore attack drives home the point that Pakistan is not serious in talking the bull by the horns as far as the fight against terrorism is concerned. The world needs to realize this before it is too late." A similar editorial appeared in the March 4, 2009 Mumbai- based centrist Gujarati evening daily JANMABHOOMI. ¶6. "PAKISTAN'S BLAMEGAME" editorial in the March 5, 2009, Mumbai edition of left-of-center Marathi daily MAHARASHTRA TIMES. "Pakistan's administration has not yet gauged the severity of the political situation after the latest terrorist attack on its soil. That is precisely why Pakistani defense analysts as well as some of the government officials have dared to point a finger towards the Indian Intelligence Agency (RAW). Without elaborating on the 'external hand' involved in the tragic incident, a senior government advisor said elements involved against Pakistan could not tolerate foreign investment, development, and peace in the country. That is a very irresponsible and ridiculous statement. It will not improve the precarious situation in Pakistan. In fact, terrorist outfits are getting wrong signals from the Pakistani government..." WHITE