The Hindu Business Line : Nuclear transfers

This is with reference to "A. Q. Khan's `confession' — The long-term implication" (Business Line, February 12). It is high time that sufficient pressure is mounted on the US to restrain Pakistan from building a jehadi culture within that country by misuse of nuclear technology.

The revelations of the "father of the Islamic bomb" regarding the secret deals of the technology to certain Islamic countries and, perhaps, even Osama bin Laden, compel the entire world to think on similar lines.

The intentions of India and the US in taking Pakistan in the Indian direction in respect of modernity and economic developments stand jeopardised by the secret nuclear transfers. The latest observation of Gen Musharraf that there is no change in his thinking about the "freedom struggle" in Kashmir is a matter of concern for India and other peace loving nations.

The apprehensions of Gen Musharraf on the possible UN sanctions underestimates the gravity of the situation emerging out of the illegal and suspicious transfer of nuclear technology to certain selected nations.

The Libyan acknowledgement of paying a huge amount to Mr Khan for the Chinese nuclear warhead design may embarrass China.

The article has raised a valid point in taking up the doubt whether Gen Musharraf may change his course of vision and join countries such as India to bring progress and prosperity.

C. P. Velayudhan Nair

Kochi

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