FICCI distances itself from task force's report advocating surgical strikes against Pak

Karachi, Dec.4 (ANI): The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Secretary General, Dr Amit Mitra has said that recommendations regarding carrying out surgical strikes inside Pakistan and stopping all imports from the country were suggestions which were made by its task force, and added that FICCI does not support such ideas.

"The report is an ideation of task force, which has suggested massive structural changes to encounter internal security challenges faced by India and the FICCI has made no chamber statement in respect of the report on national security and terrorism," Dr. Mitra said, while responding to Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Chairman S M Muneer's letter.

Rejecting the notion that FICCI was trying to ignite sentiments, he said the association believes that second-track diplomacy, especially business-to-business relations, could be a major force in improving government-to-government relations between the two countries, The News reports.

Earlier, the FPCCI had criticised the FICCI for its report, which reportedly demanded New Delhi to conduct surgical strikes against Pakistan.

FPCCI President Sultan Ahmed Chawla said such advocacy of using military means against one's neighbour country clearly showcases India's nefarious intentions.

"At a time and age when resort to force is considered to be the least productive option, if FICCI advocates the use of force against its neighbours and demands action to destroy Pakistan, it just exposes its nefarious intention," The News quoted Chawla, as saying.

He said that Indo-Pak relationship has always been governed by political interests rather that trade and economic interests, which was the prime reason why the countries have suffered huge economic losses over the years.

"Both the apex Chambers should therefore cooperate and coordinate with each other for achieving a common task of economic prosperity," Chawla added. (ANI)