NEWS

'We will present Pakistan with evidence'

Source:PTI
October 02, 2006 20:54 IST

India said on Monday that its assertion that ISI and Pakistan-based terror groups were behind the Mumbai bomb blasts was based on 'concrete investigation and evidence', which it would hand over to Pakistan.

Brushing aside Pakistan's description as 'propogandist' Mumbai top cop A N Roy's assertions, Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma said, in India investigations are sincere and 'we just do not stand up and name some one'.

The probe into the July 11 blasts have taken a long time. "It proves that in India investigations are sincere. We just do not stand up and name some one. It is backed by concrete investigation and evidence," he told Times Now news channel.

He said India will hand over to Pakistan evidence of ISI's involvement in the blasts and asserted that it was up to Islamabad to deliver on its commitments made under the joint mechanism against terror.

Asserting that the government has taken a 'serious note' of the findings, he said, "We will give to the government of Pakistan all evidences and the information and it is for them to deliver on their assurances and commitments. We will watch what they do."

His comments came a day after new Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon's statement that India wants Pakistan to 'not only talk but take action against terrorism on the ground' as Islamabad will be judged by its actions and not words.

Observing that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had conveyed India's concerns and referred to earlier assurances given by Pakistan during his meeting with President Pervez Musharraf in Havana, Sharma said, "The joint statement clearly refers to that and also a mechanism to deal with such matters."

He also sought to rubbish criticism that India was soft while dealing with Pakistan, saying the government's response was measured, matured and firm.

Taking potshots at former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said "We do not believe in making rhetorical statements which were made in the past like aar paar ki ladai and all. The prime minister and our government, we take stock of the situation. We are firm in our handling. Let everybody be reassured. When we convey our concerns, we convey them clearly and firmly and that is why I used the word, We will watch what Pakistan does."

Source: PTI
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