Panel discussion held to commemorate Mumbai terror attack

A panel discussion was held here on Saturday to commemorate the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, during which certain participants advised against going for an all out war with Pakistan and preferred a dialogue with the neighbouring country.

The discussion was organised by Independent Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrashekhar, who on November 17 introduced a Private Member's 'The Declaration of Countries as Sponsors of Terrorism Bill, 2016, in the upper house to enact a law to declare Pakistan a sponsor of terrorism.

Participating in the discussion, Lt. General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) warned against harbouring the thought that the Indian Army is weak, emphasising it's stronger than ever.

He said those for an all out war with Pakistan risk playing into the enemy's hands.

Shashank, a former Foreign Secretary, said Pakistan has been embarrassing its ally China which has now become very vocal against terror attacks.

"We must go ahead with the proposed initiatives and also engage in a dialogue at the same time," he added.

Kanchan Gupta, an editor at ABP news channel, said the media should make efforts for a positive perception about India.

He said India may lose out on some trade by breaking relations with Pakistan, adding that "every punitive measure comes with a price tag".

Sushant Sareen, a strategic affairs analyst at right-wing think tank Vivekanand Foundation, Lt. General K.J. Singh (retd), Jamaat-e-Ulema Hind leader Maulana Mahmood Madani and Chandrashekhar also comprised the panel.

--IANS

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