Pak has not dismantled terror network

NEW DELHI: The government on Tuesday said that Pakistan, which has been sponsoring terror networks against India, has not dismantled the terror infrastructure existing on its soil. It also said that Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, continues to be the handler of terrorists operating in India. ISI provides directions and logistical support to terrorist groups like the Lashkar-e-Toiba,” Union home minister Shivraj Patil told the Rajya Sabha.

“We have not received any information on dismantling of terrorist training camps,” the minister said, replying to supplementary questions during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha. He said that information about the existence of terrorist training camps was passed on to Pakistan during the home secretary-level talks between the two countries.

“The results have not been satisfactory, we are not satisfied,” he added. According to available inputs, the ISI continues to provide logistical support including recruitment, arms training and funds to militant outfits like Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen and Al-Badr for terrorist related activities in Jammu and Kashmir. This has continued despite the government’s peace initiatives and the PM’s invitation to separatist leaders for two round table conferences.

“Available inputs indicate that Pakistan’s ISI continues to remunerate terrorists for attacks on security forces and political leaders. The serial grenade attacks on April 14 and July 11, 2006 in Srinagar, and the killing of tourists are reportedly the result of such directives.” However, in the Lok Sabha, the minister of state for external affairs said the government would continue CBMs and the dialogue with Pakistan. The minister said the government wanted the talks to continue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence.

Replying to written questions, the minister said concepts such as joint control or joint management of Jammu and Kashmir, proposed by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, could not be the basis of a settlement of the Kashmir issue, since it is an integral part of India.

“There can be no compromise on the sovereignty of India over the state of Jammu and Kashmir and on India’s unity,” he said, adding India was committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with the Shimla Agreement. “The Government intends to continue with the present process of confidence building, co-operation and dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror and violence,” he averred.