Kargil was in response to India's role in creation of Bangladesh, says Pervez Musharraf

Karachi, Dec 10: Pakistan's former military dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf has said he believes in a tit-for-tat policy on all fronts and claimed that Kargil conflict was in response to India's role in the creation of Bangladesh.

71-year-old former president, who masterminded the Kargil conflict in 1999 and ruled over Pakistan for nine years, said that India had played role in creating Bangladesh and trying to seize Siachin.

"They also undertook such operations so Kargil also happened," he told Samaa TV channel. "I believed in a tit-for-tat policy on all fronts," said Musharraf, who was the chief of the Pakistani army during the Kargil conflict in 1999. Musharraf, who is currently facing treason charges, said that "friendship with India is only possible on equal terms and with both countries respecting each other."

He said if India would take one step towards friendship Pakistan would respond by taking two steps forward. "People think I don't want friendship with India it is not like that.

Relations with India were good in my tenure. We were close to resolving major disputes pertaining to Kashmir, Sir Creek and water treaty," Musharraf said.

He said that friendship with India was possible even with the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We should have good relations with India even if Modi is prime minister but not by bowing down to India or accepting their aggression.

If they continue in aggressive acts and proxy acts then we can also respond in similar fashion," he added.

PTI