India to use forum to expose Pakistan's 'hypocrisy'

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Rajnath Singh is likely to use this week's SAARC conference to highlight the irony of Burhan Wani, a top Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist who was recently killed, being declared a 'martyr' in Pakistan.

Pakistan, which paints itself as a 'victim' of terror just like India, was quick to milk Wani's killing to raise the Kashmir bogey . Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif reportedly not only declared him a 'martyr', but also announced that July 19 would be observed as a "black day to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir".

Sources in the security establishment said Singh, in his address at the SAARC meet on August 4, may choose to underline how a person indulging in terror activities in one SAARC country was being hailed as a martyr by another.

Incidentally, TOI has learnt that at least three home ministers -of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal -will skip the conference.“Despite this, India has taken a conscious decision to attend the event and showcase its commitment to regional cooperation,“ said an officer.

Singh will arrive in Pakistan on the evening of August 3. Sources said he was likely to stick to multi lateral SAARC engagements, with no bilateral interaction with Pakistani representatives scheduled so far. Singh will skip the dinner to be hosted by Pakistan on Thursday and fly back to India.