Start 2nd-Generation Reforms: Raphel

The US wants India to kickstart second-generation reforms in the country immediately even as it agrees that the terrorist acts can slow down the reforms process.

Former assistant secretary of state for south Asia, Robin Raphel, told Business Standard that even as the reforms process was slowing down, it was time for India to start second-generation reforms.

Another US leader, Congresswoman and democrat Shelley Berkeley, said she validates India's stand on Kashmir and asked Pakistan not to make use of Kashmir to support terrorist acts.

"I validate India's stand on Kashmir. Pakistan cannot be allowed to make use of Kashmir to support terrorist acts," Berkeley told Business Standard.

But Raphel was more guarded in her reactions on Kashmir. "Musharraf has been genuinely trying his best to weed out terrorist groups in his country. Both US and India should actively support such efforts," Raphel said.

Raphel joined the US foreign service in the mid-1970s and has since then been involved with South Asian affairs. Berkeley, a member of Congress from the state of Nevada, said the US should pressurise Pakistan to weed out terrorism. "US should pressurise Pakistan to do the right thing," Berkeley said.

Raphel said no other ruler has had such an opportunity to weed out terrorism as Musharraf has. "The September 11 bombings and its aftermath has given Musharraf a huge opportunity to root terrorist groups in his country. He shouldn't miss this opportunity," Raphel said.

Raphel said most of the civilian governments in Pakistan had very less control over the military while the military never had the popular support.

"But Pakistan needs a popular government. As a principle, the US wants Pakistan to have a democratically elected government. We are happy with Musharraf's efforts to move towards holding general elections in October," Raphel said.

Raphel said the US erred in keeping away from Afghanistan after the Russians left that country. "We assumed that Afghanistan didn't concern us any more even though Pakistan kept reminding us that Afganistan was inking into anarchy," Raphel said. "We are now paying the price for that mistake," she said.