India resolves to stop ‘cross-border terrorism’

Vows to safeguard national security interests

NEW DELHI: India expressed its resolve to stop ‘cross-border terrorism’ and to take steps for safeguarding its national security interests.

Amid the continuing unrest in Kashmir, India on Wednesday asked Pakistan to stop ‘cross-border terror activities’ and asserted it would take all necessary steps to safeguard its national security and territorial integrity.

The government told parliament that terrorism emanating from territories under Pakistan’s control remained India’s ‘core concern’ and that the Pathankot attack and strikes in various places in Kashmir had highlighted the continued threat of cross-border terrorism and infiltration, according to the Indian media.

“In response to Pakistan’s recent statements in support of known terrorists killed in India, the government has asked Pakistan to stop all terrorism and anti-India activities in Pakistan or territories under its control," Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh, said replying to a question in Lok Sabha.

He said Pakistan had been told that it could not be in denial on the impact of terrorism on the bilateral ties, and it must expeditiously bring to justice all those guilty of Mumbai terror attack as well as of the Pathankot strike.

The minister said the government remained continuously vigilant and "firm" in its resolve to take all necessary steps to effectively safeguard India's security and territorial integrity.

Singh said Pakistan had been in "illegal and forcible" occupation of approximately 78,000 square kilometres of Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir. "China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 square kilometres in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

"In addition, under the so-called 'Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963', Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 square kilometres of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China," he said.

About infrastructure projects being implemented by China in POK, he said the government was aware about it. "Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India's national interest and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it."

Replying to a separate question, Singh said the government was aware of reports that the Tibet Military Command's political rank would be elevated by China to one level higher than its counterpart provincial-level military commands, and that it would come directly under the leadership of People's Liberation Army (PLA).

"Government is also aware of infrastructural development in the border areas on the Chinese side. Government has seen media reports, which are not authenticated, that China plans to extend its rail link to Nepal which might involve building a tunnel under Mount Everest.

"Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it," he said.