M A I N   N E W S

Advani: Pak response disappointing

Hyderabad, November 2
Terming as very disappointing Pakistan’s response to India’s fresh peace initiative, Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani today said there was no evidence of sincerity on Islamabad’s part in stopping cross-border terrorism.

“Our confidence-building measures will be purposeful only if infiltration from across the border and the killing of innocents are stopped,” Mr Advani told mediapersons after reviewing the passing-out parade of the 55th batch of IPS probationers at the National Police Academy, near here.

Pointing out that infiltration from across the Line of Control was continuing, he said there were 28 attempts at infiltration in September and security forces eliminated at least 200 terrorists during the period.

He reminded the neighbouring country of its responsibility to hand over 20 criminals named by India for their involvement in terrorist activity.

“It appears that Pakistan has no intentions of making peace,” he said.

He made it clear that India was determined to defeat cross-border terrorism at any cost even while continuing confidence-building measures in the interests of people of both countries.

Recalling that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had declared India’s willingness to discuss with Pakistan all contentious issues, including Kashmir, Mr Advani said such discussions would be purposeful only when there was a conducive climate.

The Deputy Prime Minister also released a souvenir titled ‘Sapth Sopaan’, capturing the history of the academy since its inception. — PTI