Bjp Flays Us Silence On Pak Missile Test

The BJP yesterday took up the issue of Pakistan test firing a medium range surface-to-surface missile, Hatf III, and stressed the need for India developing its nuclear arsenal to counter the threat. The party castigated the United States for keeping mum on such a significant development.

It is to be noted that unlike the open pressures exerted on India by the US, the superpower is silent or inactive in relation to Pakistans fast developing programme of missiles, aided and abetted by China, spokesperson Yashwant Sinha said. told newsmen.

It was time India dismissed US observations on Indias threat perceptions with the contempt it deserves, he noted.

Pakistani missiles would be directed against India, despite the formers claim that these were meant for peaceful purposes, he said, adding that Indias defence preparedness must be given due attention.

Sinha also raised objections to China assisting Pakistan in its missiles programmes and held that this could jeopardise Chinas good relations with India.