Monday, June 6 2005 09:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: The Communist Party of India Marxist (CPM) yesterday (Jun 5, 2005) cautioned the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government not to accept the United State's offer to sell F-16 fighter planes to India.

"The United States is known to switch off supplies for its political aims. Further India should not get involved in an arms race with Pakistan with the US supplying arms to both countries. The Central Committee reiterated its opposition to India joining the US-sponsored missile Defence system," CPM general secretary Prakash Karat said.

The Central Committee appreciated steps taken by the UPA Government to improve the relations with Pakistan and the ongoing bilateral dialogue, he said at the conclusion of a three-day Central Committee meeting of the party in Kolkata.

"The people-to-people contacts and confidence building measures have met with a good response from the people of both countries," the CPM said.

The Central Committee also expressed serious concern at the situation in Bangladesh and asked the UPA Government to take a firm stand regarding sheltering of extremist groups inside Bangladesh territory and hold talks with Bangladeshi authorities on the matter.

"A number of extremist groups are having camps across the border and using the neighbouring territory for shelter," the CPM said. It also expressed concern over the rising fundamentalist forces within Bangladesh targeting secular and democratic personalities and forces.

The Central Committee reiterated its opposition to continuing military supplies to Nepalese Army.