Turn secular, stop being Islamic-state: Indian Army chief to Pakistan
What's the story
Venturing into uncharted waters, Army chief General Bipin Rawat today said Pakistan should turn into a secular state from an Islamic nation.
"If they (Pakistan) have to stay together with India, then they have to develop as a secular state," General Rawat said on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of the 135th course at the National Defense Academy in Pune.
Quote
'They are an Islamic state while we are secular'
"Pakistan has to look at its internal situation. They are an Islamic state, we (India) are a secular state," said General Rawat. He said, "How can we stay together if you say I am an Islamic state and there is no role for anybody else."
Hope
Let's see if Pakistan becomes secular like us: Rawat
Rawat further said, "If they're willing to become secular like us, then they seem to have an opportunity. Let's see if they do so or not."
Asked about Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement that Islamabad would move two steps forward if New Delhi took one step, Gen Rawat said the neighboring nation should first take steps to curtail terror activities on its soil.
Advice
'Show some action by curtailing terror activities used against India'
"In the past, India has taken several steps. When we say terror is being harbored in your country, show some action by curtailing terror-activities, which are used against India," Rawat said.
On Khan's statement as to why India and Pakistan could not be friends when Germany and France could be good neighbors, Rawat said the neighboring nation first needs to see its internal condition.