Pak continues policy of state-sponsored terror: Antony

New Delhi, Apr 20 (PTI) India Monday said Pakistan has
not displayed "sincerity and decisiveness" in dealing with
perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks despite being provided with
"irrefutable evidence" and that Islamabad continues to pursue
the policy of "state-sponsored terrorism".

Addressing the Army Commanders' conference here, Defence
Minister A K Antony also voiced concern over the "grim
security scenario" in Pakistan, especially the developments in
SWAT and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), and said
it is a "source of worry" for the region and international
community.

"Terrorism and religious fundamentalism continue to pose
a threat to global and regional security," he said.

Referring to the 26/11 attacks carried out by 10
Pakistani terrorists, Antony said it has "gravely undermined
peace and security of the region".

Questioning Islamabad's actions with regard to probing
the attack, he said, "Despite being provided with irrefutable
evidence, the Pakistan Government has not displayed the
sincerity and decisiveness in dealing with the perpetrators of
such (Mumbai) attacks.

"In fact, it continues to pursue the policy of
state-sponsored terrorism and either refuses to, or is
incapable of, dismantling the terror infrastructure."

The comment assumes significance as Pakistan has been
claiming that the "information" given by India on Mumbai
attacks is not sufficient to enable it to carry forward probe.

India has given Pakistan detailed evidence, including the
phone transcripts and GPS data, to show how some people based
in that country were directing the 10 terrorists who struck in
Mumbai on November 26 last year.

Antony told the top army commanders that "time will tell
whether Pakistan has the requisite will to transform its
outlook vis-a-vis India."

Addressing the Air Force Commanders' conference
separately, the Defence Minister said India will not take the
peace process with Pakistan further till Islamabad "takes
stern action" on terrorism emanating from its soil.

Referring to the recent developments in Pakistan's SWAT
and FATA, he said these are "ominous signs not only for the
region but the entire world".

He asked the defence forces to maintain eternal
vigilance to pre-empt threats emanating from Pakistan and
"respond to these challenges".

Antony said the government is firmly committed to
safeguard the lives of citizens at any cost and has taken
several measures to beef up the security, particularly in
coastal areas.

He said India's strategic location has paradoxically led
to the country facing potential threats from immediate and
extended neighbourhood. "The threat clearly appears to be
aimed at subverting the only vibrant democracy in the region."

Antony talked about Indians deployed for various projects
in Afghanistan and said their security is a primary concern.
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