India sponsoring terrorism against neighbours: Pak on Parrikar

Islamabad, May 25: Manohar Parrikar's remarks that "terrorists have to be neutralised only through terrorists" is the "worst" declaration by a state functionary and "confirm that India is sponsoring terrorism against its neighbours", his Pakistani counterpart, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said.

Parrikar's statement at an event in New Delhi last week has triggered a strong reaction from Pakistan, with many top officials condemning it.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Parrikar's statement was a blatant admission of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan, according to a report by state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) today.

Parrikar's remarks confirm "our assertions of Indian involvement in terrorist activities on Pakistani soil", Asif said, adding that the Indian minister had categorically stated that rules would not be followed to quell terror activities; instead terrorism would be promoted for the purpose.

"This is the worst kind of declaration by a state functionary of cabinet level which confirms that India is sponsoring terrorism against its neighbours in the name of preventing terrorist activities," Asif said.

On Thursday, Parrikar had said India will take "pro- active" steps to prevent a 26/11 type attacks hatched from a foreign soil.

"We have to neutralise terrorists through terrorists only. Why can't we do it? We should do it. Why does my soldier have to do it?" he had said.

On Saturday, the Foreign Office issued a statement by Advisor to Pakistan Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz expressing concerns over Parrikar's remarks.

"This statement only confirms Pakistan's apprehensions about India's involvement in terrorism in Pakistan," Aziz had said.

Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid had also condemned Parrikar's statement the same day, calling it dangerous for regional peace and exposed Indian designs. World needs peace, but India is talking of using terrorists, he said.

PTI