Situation in Pak very serious: Antony

New Delhi, Oct 19 (PTI) Warning that the situation in
Pakistan is "very serious", India's Defence Minister A K
Antony on Monday said terrorism is "spreading" in that country
and asserted that India is prepared to meet any challenge from
Taliban militants.

"The situation in Pakistan is very serious and
terrorism is spreading," he told reporters on the sidelines of
the Territorial Army Day parade here.

Pakistan has been in the grip of a terror wave with
six major attacks in the last fortnight by suspected Taliban
militants, the latest being a suicide bomb attack in Peshawar
in the restive North West Frontier Province on Friday last
killing 14 people.

Asked if Talibans' threat to carry out attacks on
India was a cause of concern, Antony said, "We are always
prepared to meet any challenge to our territorial integrity
and national security from any quarter. Our security forces
are keeping eternal vigilance".

Replying to a query on Coastguard and Navy's joint
operation 'Raksha', he said, "We learnt a lot of lessons from
26/11 last year. After that, now there is a coordinated effort
for coastal security and Indian Navy and Coastguard are taking
serious steps.Government is also giving all out support to
strengthen them".

On the possibility of involvement of Pakistan based
terror groups in Sunday's blast in Iran, Antony said, "I
cannot say anything off hand. But the thing is that terrorism
is spreading. It is the real menace to the world. Terrorism is
a reality. Fight against terrorism is a common challenge to
all peace leaving nations and communities".

Asked if India was prepared to tackle the threat from
China, he said there will no compromise on national interest.

"We will protect all our territory and at the same
time, we will continue our effort for extending relations with
all our neighbours," he said. PTI