Not war, we want peace : Shatrughna

| 31 December 2001 21:36 IST

Shatrughna Sinha, the film actor and one of the stalwarts of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, says war with Pakistan should be the last resort only after exploring all other available channels.

"However, as long as I am in the BJP, I will be part of the collective decision taken by the party leadership", said the actor-turned-politician. He was down in Goa to perform 41st show of his much-acclaimed Hindi play ‘Pati, Patni aur Maim’.

Sinha, who recently had a te te with the party leadership, however skilfully avoided replying to a question regarding the rumours that he may leave the BJP and join some other party like the Congress. "Let us discuss about this drama some other time", he quipped.

"Yudh ka nirnay josh mein nahi, hosh mein lena chahiye", he feels. The surgery should be conducted only after all the doctors fail, he added, suggesting continuation of bilateral talks, diplomatic dialogues and international pressures to diffuse the situation.

Stating that any war ultimately affects the innocent people while those who provoke the war go scot free, Sinha asked whether same scenario was not witnessed in the US-Afghanistan war.

He also flayed the observation that the ruling party may go for war as it would benefit the BJP in coming Assembly polls in several states. "If there is war, there cannot be elections", he said.

Sinha, who has many friends in good positions in Pakistan, said good people and black sheeps are on both the sides while even country like Pakistan has many progressive-minded people and NGOs. Communication channels should thus be always kept open", he added.

"Dushmani jam ke karo, aur itni gunjaish rahe, jab kabhi dost bane, to sharminda na ho", the film actor recited a ‘sher’ in his usual commanding voice, to summarise his feelings.

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