“They (Pakistan) should not make the mistake of distinguishing between good terrorism and bad terrorism”. But right after extending the invitation, the Minister sat in his auto and left. I had clearly pointed out that strongest possible steps need to be taken, not only against terrorists and terrorist organizations but also those individuals, institutions, organizations or nations that support them.
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India on Thursday described reports of a blackout of Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement during the SAARC ministerial meeting as “misleading”.
Media reports said his anti-terror speech was blacked out and Indian reporters accompanying the minister were not allowed inside the venue to cover the event at luxurious Serena Hotel in the Pakistan capital. Immediately after Sharif made the comment, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj strongly criticised the Pak PM, saying that his dream of the Indian province becoming a part of Pakistan “will not be realised even at the end of eternity”.
The Congress leader said there have been SAARC meetings before under the shadow of terrorism, but “never before have we seen such type of insults against India”.
Advocating an immediate and effective action against all those who support or encourage global terrorism in any way, whether they are state actors or non-state, he said “only then justice will be ensured for the victims of terrorist attacks such as in Mumbai and Pathankot. I requested all member countries not to glorify terrorists or treat them as freedom fighters”, Singh said.
I am sure all the members of this august house would agree with me that the biggest challenge to the peace and prosperity of South Asia is terrorism.
The interior minister’s remarks came at a time when tensions are running high between the two nuclear-armed neighbours over fresh unrest and killings by security forces in India-held Kashmir.
“I told them that strongest action must be taken not just against the terrorists but also those who support terrorism”, Singh told.
The interior minister said Pakistan was ready to engage in any dialogue process based on mutual respect and dignity with no string attached. Pakistan state television PTV alone was allowed to broadcast the introductory speeches of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
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Bilkulonline.com, New Delhi, Aug 5:Apparently miffed over the treatment he received in Pakistan, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Friday said India has always tried to be friendly with its reluctant western neighbhour but “yeh padosi hai ki maanta nahin”.
