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| Pak Continues Policy of State-Sponsored Terror: Antony | | | AGENCIES'
New Delhi, Apr 20: Blaming Pakistan for not displaying 'sincerity and decisiveness' in dealing with perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks despite being provided with 'irrefutable evidence', India has charged Islamabad with continuing to pursue the policy of 'state-sponsored terrorism'.
Addressing the Army Commanders' conference, Defence Minister AK Antony also voiced concern over the 'grim security scenario' in Pakistan, especially the developments in SWAT and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and said that it is a 'source of worry' for the region and international community.
"Terrorism and religious fundamentalism continue to pose a threat to global and regional security," he said.
Referring to the 26/11 attacks carried out by 10 Pakistani terrorists, Antony said that it has 'gravely undermined peace and security of the region'.
Questioning Islamabad's actions with regard to probing the attack, he said, "Despite being provided with irrefutable evidence, the Pakistan Government has not displayed the sincerity and decisiveness in dealing with the perpetrators of such (Mumbai) attacks... In fact, it continues to pursue the policy of state-sponsored terrorism and either refuses to, or is incapable of, dismantling the terror infrastructure."
The comment assumes significance as Pakistan has been claiming that the 'information' given by India on Mumbai attacks is not sufficient to enable it to carry forward probe.
India has given Pakistan detailed evidence, including the phone transcripts and GPS data, to show how some people based in that country were directing the 10 terrorists who struck in Mumbai on November 26 last year.
Antony told the top army commanders that 'time will tell whether Pakistan has the requisite will to transform its outlook vis-a-vis India'.
Addressing the Air Force Commanders' conference separately, the Defence Minister said India will not take the peace process with Pakistan further till Islamabad 'takes stern action' on terrorism emanating from its soil.
Referring to the recent developments in Pakistan's SWAT and FATA, he said these are "ominous signs not only for the region but the entire world".
He asked the defence forces to maintain eternal vigilance to pre-empt threats emanating from Pakistan and "respond to these challenges".
Antony said that the government is firmly committed to safeguard the lives of citizens at any cost and has taken several measures to beef up the security, particularly in coastal areas.
He said that India's strategic location has paradoxically led to the country facing potential threats from immediate and extended neighbourhood. "The threat clearly appears to be aimed at subverting the only vibrant democracy in the region."
Antony talked about Indians deployed for various projects in Afghanistan and said their security is a primary concern.
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