Musharraf accuses India of waging proxy war against Pakistan

KARACHI: Former President Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf has said that India is waging a proxy war against Pakistan, warning the neighbouring country against 'adventurism' similar to the Indian army's recent hot pursuit in Myanmar.

"India has a hand into aggression that Pakistan is currently fending off. India should not be mistaken even slightly over its dealing with Pakistan,” he said in an interview with Indian news channel CNN-IBN.

"Pakistan is not Myanmar, and India dare not treat Pakistan as Myanmar," he said. "Don't attack us, don't challenge our territorial integrity because we are not a small power, we're a major and nuclear power. Don't push us," said the 71-year-old former general.

Musharraf criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of making peace talks "difficult", adding that his 1971 war comment had hurt the sentiments of the Pakistani people.

He said that the country had changed its conduct after Modi’s election as prime minister, adding that the bilateral relations between the two countries are being adversely affected owing to Modi, who he called 'a representative' of the extremist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organisation.

Musharraf said that the RSS had accepted responsibility of the 2007 terrorist attack on Delhi-Lahore train Samjhauta Express that left 68 people, mostly Pakistanis, dead.

"Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest). This is my message for all Pakistanis. Be ready for any situation," he added.

Musharraf also urged Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to respond to Indian threats in his capacity.