India 'deeply disappointed' over Pak's allegations

"Deeply disappointed" over the charges by Pakistan regarding its involvement in blasts, India on Saturday said that it was unfortunate that by repeating such "unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations" that country puts strain on the bilateral relationship.

"Unequivocally" condemning the allegations, India rejected charges of any involvement in such acts or activities and said Pakistan should "concentrate on dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism directed against India and adversely impacting on Pakistan itself".

India "unequivocally condemns the series of bomb blasts in Lahore on March 12, 2010, which claimed the lives of scores of people, including innocent civilians, and injured many more, among them women and children. Our condolences go out to the families of those killed by these acts of terrorism," the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

"At the same time, the government is deeply disappointed by statements emanating from Pakistan alleging an Indian hand in yesterday's (Friday) attacks in Lahore, and other terrorist acts and disturbances elsewhere in Pakistan.

"We categorically reject, once again, the allegations of India's involvement in such acts or activities. Government has reiterated on several occasions, and at the highest level, that India has no interest in destabilising Pakistan."

"It is unfortunate that by repeating such unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations, officials in responsible positions in the government of Pakistan put a strain on our bilateral relationship, instead of concentrating on dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism directed against India and adversely impacting on Pakistan itself," the ministry said.