India would counter Lashkar threat effectively : Tharoor

New Delhi, July 15 (ANI): Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday said the government would take necessary steps to counter the threat posed by the Lashkar- e- Toiba (LeT).

Reacting to a statement issued by the Co-ordinator of the UNSC Committee on Taliban and Afghanistan Richard Barret, Tharoor said the government is conscious of the possible threat from various militant organisations. He also said the government is aware of the strength of such organisations and measures would be taken to counter them.

Meanwhile, a UN report has nailed Pakistan's false and repeated claims on the Lashkar -e-Toiba. A day after Pakistan dropped a petition against the release of Hafiz Saeed, a top UN official said there is credible information that the Lashkar is active in Pakistan and is planning to target India once again.

Barrett felt that the Lashkar is trying to increase tensions between India and Pakistan at a time when they and associate militant organisations are under pressure in western Pakistan.

The Lashkar has carried out attacks many times within Pakistan too. So they are also a matter of concern to Pakistan, Barret added.

According to Defence Ministry sources, a special surveillance by sea, air and water has been made in Mumbai, following the alert issued by the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Helicopters unit has also been put on alert, to provide aerial support, if required, sources said. (ANI)