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India will put across case on cross-border terrorism to Pakistan on Thursday

India will make a strong plea to Pakistan to desist from extending moral, material and financial support to subversive elements in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country during the home secretary level talks between the two countries tomorrow on terrorism and drug trafficking.

''India attaches great significance to these talks in view of the fact that Pakistan sponsored militancy has taken a heavy toll of innocent lives," official sources said.

Home Secretary B P Singh will lead the Indian side at the talks while Pakistan will be represented by interior secretary Hafeezullah Ishaq.

The talks aim to explore possibilities between the two countries to fight menace of terrorism and drug trafficking of which India is one of the worst victims.

The crucial talks on this sensitive issue are being held under the composite dialogue between the two countries to remove major irritants in their relations.

The two sides had earlier discussed issues of Tulbul navigation project, Sir Creek, the Siachen glacier and cooperation in trade and commerce. However, very little was achieved in these talks so far with the two countries pledging to continue further discussions.

India had been all along stating that Pakistan was aiding and abetting terrorism in various parts of the country and claimed it had documentary evidence to show Islamabad's involvement in subversive activities.

In fact, Home Minister L K Advani recently stated that a white paper on ISI activities in India will be tabled in the next session of Parliament.

Prime Minister A B Vajpayee stated yesterday that Pakistan was attempting to destabilise India through subversion and a terrorism.

The sources said terrorism and drug trafficking pose a direct challenge to democratic societies and political systems. Fundamental rights, civil liberties and freedom are the very basis of India's political ethos and way of life.

Terrorists and drug traffickers and those who sponsor them and seek benefit from them should have no place in countries committed to democracy and human rights.

The Indian government is fully resolved to deal with them and their sponsors with firmness and in accordance with law.

UNI

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