Prime Minister Singh says no further evidence on 26/11 needs to be given to Pakistan

Washington, Apr. 14 (ANI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did some straight talk on Pakistan, saying he did not need to provide further evidence about the Lashkar-e-Taiba"s involvement in the Mumbai blasts of 26/11.

Speaking to the media at the conclusion of the two day Nuclear Security Summit here, he said: "I don't see any need for providing further evidence about the Lashkar-e-Taiba to Pakistan."

When asked about Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani"s statement that he is still awaiting concrete evidence about involvement of Pakistan-based terror groups" involvement in the Mumbai attacks, Dr. Singh said that it was evident that Mumbai blast conspirators like Hafeez Sayeed, Ilyas Kashmiri and Zaki ur Rehman Lakvi were roaming the streets of Pakistan freely fanning terrorism Not wanting to insult or show disrespect to the Pakistan Prime Minister, Dr Singh said: "I would hate to enter into an argument with Mr. Gilani in a press conference, but American intelligence and American forces have pointed the role of the LET's links with Al Qaeda."

When asked why he had to bring up the issue before US President Barack Obama rather than solve the issue at a bilateral level, he replied: "Ultimately India has to tackle problems on her own, but international sentiments and international opinions do matter and, if anyone asks me about bilateral relations, then I explain our position, which is an open secret - that Pakistan has to take credible steps to bring the perpetrators of the horrible crime of 26/11 to book. That is the minimum we expect from Pakistan. If Pakistan does that, we will be very happy to begin talks once again."

When asked if the Pakistan Prime Minister had extended an invitation to him to visit Pakistan as reported in the Pakistani media, he replied "I am hearing it for the first time. I ran into im (Mr. Gilani) twice. We exchanged pleasantries and I complimented him on the passage of (18th) constitutional amendment which makes him the most powerful personality in the Pakistan system. Beyond that, there was no serious discussion."

Even the Pakistani Prime Minister is probably surprised to hear that India thinks of him as the most powerful person in Pakistan! By Smita Prakash (ANI)