India wants normalcy in Pakistan: Antony

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 2: Expressing serious concern over the developments in Pakistan, Defence Minister A K Antony today said India wanted restoration of normalcy in the neighbouring country.

''India and Pakistan are now engaged in discussions on several issues. As such India wants normalcy to be restored in Pakistan at the earliest,'' he told newspersons here. Mr Antony made it clear that he was not commenting on the internal politics of Pakistan. On increased terrorist activities, Mr Antony said the Centre was giving internal security the same importance as external security and all steps were being taken to wipe out the menace, he said.

Referring to naxalism, he said the Centre was taking effective steps to curb its spread.

Stating that naxalites were thriving in rural areas and tribal villages, Mr Antony said more attention should be given for the uplift of adivasis and the downtrodden.

Social and economic schemes have to be implemented in these areas, he said adding that while action was needed against naxalites, uplift of tribalsand the downtrodden should be carried out in naxal infested areas.

These simultaneous actions could bring in desired results, he added.

UNI