'India in talks with Bangladesh to curb terrorism'

Hyderabad, Sep 15: National Security Adviser M K Narayanan today said the Centre was holding talks with the Bangladesh Government to curb terrorist activities, sponsored by terrorist organisations operating from there.

Speaking to newspersons here, he said ''the talks were in progress. The output of the discussions will come soon.'' The August 25 twin blasts and May 18 Mecca Masjid blasts in Hyderabad, claiming more than 50 lives, were triggered by suspected HUJI and LeT organisations operating from Bangladesh.

On the killing of Bilal, one of the alleged masterminds behind the twin blasts and Mecca blasts, Mr Narayanan said ''we have no information on the killing of HUJI Commander Shahed alias Bilal in an encounter near Karachi in Pakistan.'' Pakistan media reports said Shahed was killed in an encounter on August 30.

Stating that Hyderabad was one of the most targetted cities, he said that though the intelligence agencies had prior information about the blasts in the city, they were not aware of its venue or the terrorist outfit involved.

Earlier, addressing the gathering at the Ceremonial Parade to mark the commencement of the diamond jubilee celebrations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Mr Narayanan said ''we live in a dangerous neighbourhood. Instability and internal tensions afflict almost every country around us.'' ''Forces of extremism are becoming stronger across the region.

Politicisation of religion has become the hallmark of these many nations. Moreover, the spectre of terrorism stalks the entire region,'' he added.

Expressing concern over the increasing organised crime, money laundering, fake currency menace and social tension in the country, he said protecting the nation from internal threats had become the foremost responsibility of the Government and its agencies.

UNI