'India continues to be prime focus of Pakistan-based terror groups'

NEW DELHI: India continues to remain the prime focus of Pakistan-based terrorist outfits, particularly Lashkar-e-Taiba and their affiliates, most prominently the Indian Mujahideen, Lok Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Home Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary said the interrogation of arrested terrorists by security agencies have revealed that ISI of Pakistan is aiding terror activities in India by providing shelter, training, patronage and financial assistance to terrorists.

"Besides, Indo-Nepal border, being porous, has also been vulnerable to activities of anti-India elements. The militants based in Pakistan use Indo-Pak and Indo-Nepal borders to bring explosives and arms, ammunition to indulge in anti-national activities," he said in reply to a written question.

Chaudhary said India has raised the issue of ISI's support to various terror outfits in many fora and handed over relevant dossiers to Pakistani authorities.

"At the same time, government takes all necessary measures to foil nefarious activities of Pak-based terror groups in India," he said.

Replying to another question, the Minister said it has come to the notice that Pakistani intelligence agencies, particularly the ISI, are involved for abetting espionage activities in the country.

"During the period from 2011 to 2014, a total of 33 Pakistan backed espionage modules were neutralised in the country, resulting in arrest of 50 espionage agents including one Pak resident agent and some retired Indian government officials," he said.