India, Bahrain agree that one country’s terrorist can’t be another’s freedom fighter
Both nations contend that terrorism is a hazard to all countries and communities
New Delhi: India and Bahrain on Tuesday issued a joint statement denouncing terrorism, noting that “a terrorist in one country cannot be glorified as a freedom fighter by another", an implicit reference to slain Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani.
The joint statement is significant as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), of which Bahrain is a key member, has been critical of India’s alleged human rights violations in Kashmir ever since the latest wave of violence broke out in the valley following the killing of Wani on 8 July, although it doesn’t specifically mention cross-border terrorism.
The statement, issued at the end of Union home minister Rajnath Singh’s three-day visit to Bahrain, contends that “terrorism is a hazard to all countries and communities".
“India and Bahrain reject the linking of terrorism to any race, religion or culture. Both countries agree that a terrorist in one country cannot be glorified as a freedom fighter by another, and the two sides call upon all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries, to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of states, and to fight terrorist infrastructure whenever it exists," it said.
Additionally, the two countries resolved to reinforce cooperation in exchange of information on ongoing terrorism-related investigations as well as ongoing organised crime investigations apart from checking in on youth extremism, the use of the Internet and money laundering for terror activities.
Singh’s counterpart, Bahrain’s interior minister Lt. General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, said: “We look forward to working together in the fight against terrorism and in strengthening our mutual and regional security."
Also Read: Rajnath Singh flies to Bahrain in attempt to sway OIC sentiment against Pakistan
Singh’s visit to Bahrain is part of an ongoing initiative by India to reach out to influential countries in West Asia to convince them of Pakistan’s role in waging a proxy war against India through cross-border terrorism and garner support for India’s stand vis-a-vis Kashmir by pointing to Pakistan’s alleged role in fomenting terrorism in the region.
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