ID :
41775
Wed, 01/21/2009 - 02:53
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/41775
The shortlink copeid
Antony: Pak shouldn`t be concerned over Malegaon blast
New Delhi, Jan 20 (PTI) India Tuesday virtually rejected
a Pakistan suggestion for extradition of Malegaon blast
accused Lt Col Shrikant Purohit, saying it was "an internal
matter" and that Islamabad should not be concerned over it.
"The case (Malegaon blast) is under examination by the
Anti-Terror Squad (of Maharashtra Police). It is our internal
matter. We are investigating it. How can Pakistan be concerned
with that?" Defence Minister A K Antony asked while talking to
reporters here on the sidelines of an NCC function.
"Our agencies are inquiring about that. Let us wait for
the final results. It (investigation) is our responsibility
and we are doing it," Antony said in reply to queries on a
Pakistani suggestion that it may demand Purohit's extradition
in connection with the Samjhauta Express blast case.
Describing as "baseless" reports of the army not being
prepared for a war in the aftermath of the Mumbai carnage,
Antony said: "Our armed forces are in a state of preparedness.
They are prepared for meeting any challenge, any eventuality
and any threat from any quarter."
He said there were reports of Pakistan military build-up
across the border, but they were not something which could
create "panic".
"At the moment, the government (of India) is
concentrating on diplomatic efforts. There is no question of
our armed forces lowering their guard," he said.
On Pakistan-based terror groups laying conditions such
as resolution of the Kashmir issue for them to shun violence
against India, Antony said: "This (terrorism) has nothing to
do with Kashmir, which is an integral part of India. We will
not entertain any kind of interference from any source and any
quarter regarding Kashmir."
Asked if the US operation against Taliban in Afghanistan
forced New Delhi to give up military option against Pakistan,
the Defence Minister said Indian decisions were not influenced
by any other nation, even if they were friendly.
"India takes its own decisions and after carefully
assessing the situation. We are friendly with all countries,
but our decision cannot be influenced by anybody," he said.
Rejecting suggestions of sending armed forces to
Afghanistan to put pressure on Pakistan from all sides, Antony
said: "There is no question of sending military to
Afghanistan. Our assistance to Afghanistan is in the form of
humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation and reconstruction."
PTI
a Pakistan suggestion for extradition of Malegaon blast
accused Lt Col Shrikant Purohit, saying it was "an internal
matter" and that Islamabad should not be concerned over it.
"The case (Malegaon blast) is under examination by the
Anti-Terror Squad (of Maharashtra Police). It is our internal
matter. We are investigating it. How can Pakistan be concerned
with that?" Defence Minister A K Antony asked while talking to
reporters here on the sidelines of an NCC function.
"Our agencies are inquiring about that. Let us wait for
the final results. It (investigation) is our responsibility
and we are doing it," Antony said in reply to queries on a
Pakistani suggestion that it may demand Purohit's extradition
in connection with the Samjhauta Express blast case.
Describing as "baseless" reports of the army not being
prepared for a war in the aftermath of the Mumbai carnage,
Antony said: "Our armed forces are in a state of preparedness.
They are prepared for meeting any challenge, any eventuality
and any threat from any quarter."
He said there were reports of Pakistan military build-up
across the border, but they were not something which could
create "panic".
"At the moment, the government (of India) is
concentrating on diplomatic efforts. There is no question of
our armed forces lowering their guard," he said.
On Pakistan-based terror groups laying conditions such
as resolution of the Kashmir issue for them to shun violence
against India, Antony said: "This (terrorism) has nothing to
do with Kashmir, which is an integral part of India. We will
not entertain any kind of interference from any source and any
quarter regarding Kashmir."
Asked if the US operation against Taliban in Afghanistan
forced New Delhi to give up military option against Pakistan,
the Defence Minister said Indian decisions were not influenced
by any other nation, even if they were friendly.
"India takes its own decisions and after carefully
assessing the situation. We are friendly with all countries,
but our decision cannot be influenced by anybody," he said.
Rejecting suggestions of sending armed forces to
Afghanistan to put pressure on Pakistan from all sides, Antony
said: "There is no question of sending military to
Afghanistan. Our assistance to Afghanistan is in the form of
humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation and reconstruction."
PTI
