New Delhi, February 16
Home Minister L.K. Advani today virtually rejected Pakistan’s plea that the issue of 20 terrorists and criminals demanded by India be negotiated, saying that New Delhi no longer believes in “big” announcements emanating from Islamabad and would judge the neighbour’s sincerity by assessing the ground situation.

Pakistan must dismantle terrorist training camps on its soil, stop arming militants and giving them asylum, discontinue its support to cross-border infiltration and hand over the 20 terrorists sought by India, Mr Advani said in a speech after inaugurating the Raising Day parade of the Delhi police.

Referring to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s claims on the issue during his US tour, he said: ‘’We can’t go by what they say. We will ascertain on our own if the required action has been taken on the ground.’’

“Doodh ka jala chhachh bhi phoonk phoonk ke pita hai (Once bitten, twice shy),” he observed while underlining New Delhi’s cautious, but determined approach on the issue.

While addressing the Delhi police officers and personnel Mr Advani said, “So we will not take decisions on the basis of somebody’s announcements or statements. We will see whether the demands made by us have been met. India will believe Pakistan is sincere in doing what it has been saying only if it hands over the 20 terrorists and criminals,” Mr Advani said.

He said, “The issue of terrorists being handed over by Pakistan needs to be addressed when we start negotiating on all issues, including Kashmir. We will address this issue then. It may be important. We will address it together,”

Referring to United Arab Emirates prompt action for deporting Aftab Ansari, main accused in the American Center shootout, Mr Advani asked Pakistan to do the same with regard to the 20 terrorists wanted by India.