For better ties with India, Pakistan must change into a secular state: Gen Bipin Rawat

The army chief also stated that the neighbouring country had made itself an Islamic State and if they are seeking unity then they would have to change into a secular one.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: A day after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan made a pitch for peace and said that if India takes one step, we will take two, Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat said that there is a contradiction in what they (Pakistan) are saying. “They are saying you take one step and we will take two. There is a contradiction in what they are saying. One step from there should come in a positive manner and we will see if the step has an effect on the ground. Till then our nation has a clear policy – terror and talks can't go together,” Rawat said. The army chief also stated that the neighbouring country had made itself an Islamic State and if they are seeking better ties then they must change into a secular one. “Pakistan has made its state an Islamic State. If they have to stay together with India, then they've to develop as a secular state. We are a secular state. If they're willing to become secular like us, then they seem to have an opportunity,” he said. Rawat has recently stated that Pakistan has altered the demography of PoK and the identity of Kashmiris on that side has been systematically eroded. During a lecture, Rawat referred to the so-called Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and said “Pakistan has very cleverly changed the demography of so-called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan. So, one is not very sure who is an actual Kashmiri.” Pakistan PM on Thursday said he was ready for talks with India and it was not in Islamabad’s interest to allow terrorist groups to use its territory and plan attacks outside Pakistan. Khan was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Kartarpur Corridor. The cricketer-turned-politician also said that if India takes one step, we will take two. The project inaugurated by Khan Wednesday will see a secure corridor and bridge built between the two countries. However, the Army Chief urged that Kartarpur corridor should be seen in 'isolation' and not mixed with India's stance on terrorism emanating from Pakistan’s soil.