PM asks Pakistan to ''walk the talk'' on combating terrorism

On board Prime Minister special aircraft, Oct 3 (UNI) Taking strong note of Pakistan's involvement in the recent Mumbai serial bomb blasts, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked Islamabad to ''walk the talk'' on jointly combating terrorism if it was serious in carrying forward the peace process.

''I think Pakistan will have to walk the talk...this process cannot move forward unless and until both countries sincerely work to gain mastery over this menace,'' the Prime Minister told newsmen on board his special aircraft while returning from a three-day visit to South Africa.

Referring to the Mumbai bomb blasts in which around 200 people were killed, the Prime Minister said India had evidence (about Pakistan's involvement) that would be given to Islamabad. ''We will discuss with Pakistan on the basis of those evidence. We will test waters... we will share that information with Pakistan and ascertain how sincere they are in carrying forward the committtment that Pakistan President Musharraf and I have underlined in our joint statement.'' Rubbishing Opposition BJP's criticism on the proposed joint mechanism on terrorism, Dr Singh said, '' The mechanism is yet to take place. We have to test it and we will test it.'' ''We have set up this mechanism, how else can we ask for information but except through a mechanism like this...in a joint statment there is an explicit condemnation of the Mumbai blasts following that there is also the mention of cooperation that our two countries will undertake to control this menace.'' UNI