MEDIA REACTION: PAKISTAN, CAMPAIGN AGAINST

UNCLAS NEW DELHI 000468 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, CAMPAIGN AGAINST TERRORISM; 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 -------------- ¶1. "POLITICAL CRISIS IN PAKISTAN" editorial in the March 13 Guwahati Assamese ASAMIYA PRATIDIN. "... It seems Pakistan is heading for another military coup with the current political crisis deepening further ... The government's failure to curb the growing activities of the Taliban and the Al Qaida makes the situation more complicated ... Pakistan's army chief, on his return from the U.S., has already cautioned the Zardari government ... Undeniably, Pakistan now needs a strong government because not only its elected government but also its democracy is in serious danger." ¶2. "TALIBANISTAN" editorial in the March 13, 2009 multi- edition right-of-center Gujarati daily GUJARAT SAMACHAR. "Pakistan has now become subject of suspicion. There are alarming questions being raised whether Pakistan is victim of terrorism or is nurturing terrorism.... Pakistan is just shedding crocodile tears by claiming that it is itself suffering from this menace. The fact of the matter is that Pakistan has nurtured this hydra headed monster of terrorism over the years..... It is as a result of this that Taliban ultras are making swift inroads into Pakistan. The attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore last week is a case in point. Besides, the developments in the Swat valley indicate the beginning of Talibanization of Pakistan." A similar editorial appeared in the March 13, 2009 Gujarati daily GUJARATMITRA. -------------- CAMPAIGN AGAINST TERRORISM -------------- ¶3. "CONSPIRACY IN THE SUBCONTINENT," editorial in the March 13 left-of-center Kolkata Bengali daily, SAMBAD PRATIDIN. "A deep conspiracy is being hatched to foment widespread turbulence in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and in Sri Lanka. Which forces are playing behind the scene to make the situation complicated? ... This issue should be raised in the international forum ... There is no reason to think that terrorists are getting cornered or their activities are confined to some regions. All the four countries need to intensify their anti-terror operations. At the same time, it is extremely important to build public awareness against terrorism." WHITE