Maintaining that terrorist groups like Lashker-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad are still being nurtured in Pakistan, India has asked Islamabad to 'actively join' the global war against terrorism and demonstrate 'sincerity' by fulfilling its commitment of not allowing terrorism emanate from its soil.
New Delhi 'welcomed' Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's offer to help in the investigation into the Mumbai serial blasts but emphasised it was capable of facing challenges in any form. "Terror attacks like those in Mumbai vitiate the atmosphere (for talks)," Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma told PTI in New Delhi.
Reflecting anger over the July 7 bombings, which are believed to have been abetted by Pakistan, India has already put on hold the foreign secretary-level talks scheduled to take place on July 20.
Sharma said terrorist groups like LeT and JeM are still operating from Pakistan and are in fact being 'nurtured' there despite Islamabad having vowed in January 6, 2004 joint statement not to allow any part of the territory under its control to be used by terrorist groups. These outfits are responsible for terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir and various other parts of the country.
Infiltration of terrorists and influx of arms and ammunition from Pakistan also continues, he said, pointing to several recent incidents wherein security forces thwarted such bids at the Line of Control and recovered weapons.
"Pakistan has not adequately implemented its promise (of not allowing terrorism against India emanate from territories under its control). It needs to demonstrate its resolve and fulfill its commitment," the minister said as investigation into the Mumbai blasts strongly pointed to involvement of elements from across the border.
Using the platform of G-8 Summit in St Petersburg, India will seek to turn the international community's focus to terrorism emanating from Pakistan and impress upon the need for 'zero tolerance' for terror acts anywhere in the world.
On Musharraf's offer to help in investigations into the Mumbai blasts, Sharma said, "We welcome what he said. But the question is not of helping India. India can face challenges in any form on its own. Pakistan has to demonstrate sincerity (in curbing terrorism against India)... It should actively join the global war against terrorism."
In reference to the recent comments by Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri seeking to link Mumbai blasts with non-resolution of Kashmir issue, he said: "Any attempt to link the two is condemnable and irresponsible."
On the fate of the Indo-Pak dialogue process, Sharma said talks can be held when the atmosphere is conducive. He noted that the peace process had made a lot of progress and hoped that it will continue in an atmosphere free of violence.
Sharma hoped that Pakistan government will help fulfill the wishes of peoples of the two countries to have friendly relations by not allowing elements opposed to friendship between the two countries to survive in that country.
