India expresses fear over rogue nuclear arms
In a strong comment on the happenings in the neighbourhood, national security advisor M K Narayanan has expressed the fear that rogue nukes in a volatile state are a grave threat to India’s security.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: India has once again voiced its concern over the Pakistan���s security arsenal falling into the hands of non-state players. In a strong comment on the happenings in the neighbourhood, national security advisor M K Narayanan has expressed the fear that rogue nukes in a volatile state are a grave threat to India���s security.
Although Mr Narayanan did not name Pakistan, referring to the growing clout of militant forces in the neighbourhood, he said: ���Credible reports suggest that the region has been both a source and a destination for proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) material and equipment, a situation that is cause for concern. A great threat to stability from nuclear weapons in the hands of volatile states cannot be discounted.���
According to the NSA, al-Qaeda and rogue nukes are the greatest threat to India���s security.
The Pakistani security officials as well as the military establishments have been claiming that there is no danger of the country���s nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of Islamic extremists. But this continues to be a cause of worry for countries like the United States.
Pakistan is believed to have between 30 and 40 nuclear warheads, according to UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency. Commentators and politicians in the West have long harboured concerns that these could be stolen by Islamists.
IAEA chief Mohamed El Baradei had recently told the media that Pakistan���s ���many internal problems��� put the country���s nuclear arms at much greater risk.
In spite of international concerns, the US government has said it believes Pakistan���s assurances that its nuclear materials are safe. Mr Nayaranan���s concern comes just a day after the chief of the US military said Pakistan���s atomic weapons were secure.
Admiral Mike Mullen, who held talks with President Pervez Musharraf and army chief Ashfaq Kayani, said proper procedures were in place and that he was not concerned that they were going to fall into the hands of terrorists.
Although Mr Narayanan did not name Pakistan, referring to the growing clout of militant forces in the neighbourhood, he said: ���Credible reports suggest that the region has been both a source and a destination for proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) material and equipment, a situation that is cause for concern. A great threat to stability from nuclear weapons in the hands of volatile states cannot be discounted.���
According to the NSA, al-Qaeda and rogue nukes are the greatest threat to India���s security.
The Pakistani security officials as well as the military establishments have been claiming that there is no danger of the country���s nuclear arsenal falling into the hands of Islamic extremists. But this continues to be a cause of worry for countries like the United States.
Pakistan is believed to have between 30 and 40 nuclear warheads, according to UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency. Commentators and politicians in the West have long harboured concerns that these could be stolen by Islamists.
IAEA chief Mohamed El Baradei had recently told the media that Pakistan���s ���many internal problems��� put the country���s nuclear arms at much greater risk.
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In spite of international concerns, the US government has said it believes Pakistan���s assurances that its nuclear materials are safe. Mr Nayaranan���s concern comes just a day after the chief of the US military said Pakistan���s atomic weapons were secure.
Admiral Mike Mullen, who held talks with President Pervez Musharraf and army chief Ashfaq Kayani, said proper procedures were in place and that he was not concerned that they were going to fall into the hands of terrorists.
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