Shashi Tharoor's video address cut off for criticising Pakistan

Islamabad: Union Minister Shashi Tharoor's video address to an India-Pakistan entrepreneurs' event in Islamabad today was abruptly cut off after he slammed the Pakistani government for ceasefire violations and suggested that the government has no control over its military.

The minister said, "India is committed to resolve all issues with Pakistan, including the Kashmir dispute, through dialogue on the basis of the Simla Agreement but an environment free from terror and violence is needed for this."

"However, the Mumbai attacks five years ago and the recent LoC incidents have shown a gap between Pakistan's official statement and military's action...(This) suggests the civilian government, even if sincere, is not entirely in control of the security apparatus," he said in the pre-recorded speech.

Tharoor's speech and the video was cut off after about nine minutes.

Later Mr Tharoor reacted on Twitter saying, "Pity they didn't hear the whole speech. It balanced calls for more trade&less terror!"

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Tharoor began his address by emphasising the need to strengthen bilateral trade but later took a harder line and suggested what the Pakistani government should do.

"It will help the Pakistan government, facing home-grown terrorists even as they export terror to neighbours", if there is more willingness to join the quest for peace, he said.

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"The moment the Pakistani establishment genuinely discards terrorism as an instrument of state policy, the prospect of peace will dawn on the subcontinent."

Tharoor said Pakistan was "unfortunately" pursuing the flawed policy of selectively targeting some terrorists and extremists and "ignoring or actively supporting others".

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Unlike in Pakistan, the Indian Army does not "make foreign policy", which is the prerogative of the elected civilian government that is determined to engage in dialogue, he told the audience of about 300 at Jinnah Auditorium.

The audience included 22 Indian delegates and officials of the Indian High Commission, including envoy TCA Raghavan.

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