Why Advani called up Pranab, Antony

Expressing serious concern about the recent attack on a Pakistani naval base, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani on Thursday said India should take serious note of the incident, which raises questions about whether terrorist elements were trying to make the neighbouring country a 'jihadi state'.

"The attack on Pakistan's Mehran naval base is a matter of concern. The attack in which ten Pakistani jawans were killed and two aircraft were destroyed is not a minor terrorist attack," Advani said.

The senior BJP leader said he talked to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Defence Minister A K Antony after learning about the incident.

"I talked to Pranabji and Antony and told them that we should think about the attack seriously. The situation is really serious. It does not only concern Pakistan. It is a matter of concern for India as well as several other Asian countries," Advani said on the sidelines of a function at his residence.

He said the attack also raised questions on whether "terrorist elements like Al Qaeda and Taliban were trying to make Pakistan a jihadi state."

"After the attack on the naval base, our concern has increased. The attack also raises question on whether they (the terrorists) will reach (Pakistan's) critical installations, particularly the nuclear assets," he said.

Asked about terror operative David Coleman Headley's testimony in a US court about the Inter Services Intelligence's role in the Mumbai attack, Advani said there were no doubts about its role in fomenting terror activities in India.

"I do not think there is any doubt about the ISI's role (in fomenting terrorism in India)," he said.

Earlier, Advani released an interim report by a group of BJP workers led by Tarun Vijay on the condition of the people as well as the security forces in certain areas bordering China.

The group, after visiting various areas along the Indo-China border including Milum and Munsiyari, prepared the report and recommended certain measures to improve infrastructure in the areas.

"While Chinese troops have access to motorable roads right up to the border on Milum glacier, our troops, ITBP in this case, have to trek more than 105 kilometres to reach the border," said Vijay.

He said at least two helicopters should be made available to the troops deployed in the terrain.

The party had launched the year-long darshan yatra earlier in May to sensitise people about the problems of the troops and highlight difficulties of the people living in border areas.

The yatra was launched to observe the 110th birth anniversary of Jana Sangh founder Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.

Complementing the group led by Vijay, Advani hoped that the final report will help in understanding the issues concerning the security forces deployed in the border areas.