26/11 originated from Pakistan soil, says Chidu

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday said that India had no doubt that the Mumbai terror attack had originated from Pakistani soil. He dismissed media reports suggesting that according to Islamabad, the 26/11 plot was hatched in Bangladesh or Europe.

"There is no doubt that the Mumbai terrorist attack was planned and executed from Pakistan's soil. We have given the dossier to a hundred countries. Nobody has expressed any doubts about it", Chidambaram told reporters.

Talking to newsmen in Mumbai after a meeting to review the security situation in Maharashtra, Chidambaram spoke about India waiting for a reply on the 26/11 dossier.

"We have given them a dossier. Let them respond to it. I will comment after they give the response," he said.

"It is all rubbish," was Chidambaram's response when asked about Pakistani media reports which indicated that according to Pakistan, the 26/11 plot was hatched in Bangladesh or Europe. "Pakistan has not told you or me. Don't go by newspaper reports," he added.

Chidambaram also said that US' Federal Bureau of Investigation will give evidence, if necessary, in the 26/11 terror attacks trial. "Our investigation has been helped by FBI. If necessary, FBI will give evidence in the trial."

India's policy is that of' 'zero tolerance' with regard to terrorism and Naxalism, Chidambaram said.

"Zero tolerance is our policy for terrorism and Naxal threats," Chidambaram told reporters after reviewing the security situation in Maharashtra in the backdrop of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

"As far as cities like Mumbai are concerned, the level of threat (from terrorism) is very high and we must be prepared. Our response time has to be quick," he said.

Around 1.40 lakh paramilitary personnel would be recruited over next few months, he said in reply to a query.