India should not be seen helpless in face of terror: Pranab

New Delhi, Feb 8 (PTI) Asking Pakistan not to shirk its
responsibility of ending cross-border terrorism, India's
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Sunday said India
is not "helpless" and that it will confront the menace with
"courage and fortitude".

Speaking at a conclave of Congress district and block
level office-bearers here, he said India has kept all options
open on the issue of dealing with terrorism emanating from
Pakistan and asked the neighbouring country not to divert
attention of the world community.

"Perpetrators of (Mumbai) terror attacks must be
punished. Nobody should think that this country is helpless
and cannot tackle the situation arising out of terrorism,"
Mukherjee said.

"I repeat all options are open," he said and asserted
that terrorism would be fought with "courage and fortitude".

"This menace has to be confronted and we are exactly
doing that," Mukherjee said.

He said India is asking Pakistan, from where these
terrorists are coming and operating to fulfill its own
commitments that its land will not be used by terrorists.

"Don't try to divert the attention of the international
community. Take corrective measures and don't think that you
can simply shirk this responsibility," he told Pakistan.

Mukherjee said Pakistan is committed to the UN resolution
of not allowing use of its land for terrorist activity.

"They (Pakistan) have to fulfill their commitment.
Perpetrators of terror attacks must be brought to justice," he
said.

At the same time, the External Affairs Minister cautioned
against linking terrorism to any religion. "I must utter a
word of caution, if not warning, for those elements which try
to misrepresent this issue.... (who say) that this act
concerns a particular religion."

He emphasised that terrorism has no religion, no borders
and no respect for any nation. PTI AMR
SAK
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