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India slams Pak statement on POTA

India on Thursday dismissed concerns voiced by Pakistan on the passage of anti-terrorism bill by Parliament, saying it was an 'unwarranted interference' in its internal affairs.

"Let it be abundantly clear that Pakistan has no locus-standi on this matter, which is entirely India's internal affair," external affairs ministry spokesperson Nirupama Rao said on Thursday.

"Is Pakistan concerned that there would now be an even more effective action against terrorism and terrorist groups it has sponsored in India?" she asked.

Pakistan foreign office spokesman had reportedly said that the international community and human rights organisations 'must condemn this law (Prevention of Terrorism Act), which militates against the basic principles of internationally recognised fundamental human rights'.

The spokesman also alleged that over the past few months, Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance had been 'ruthlessly used by the Indian government to intimidate Muslims in India and intensify its repression of the Kashmiris'.

Rao said, "It is very strange that the spokesman of a military regime, which has overthrown a democratically elected government, and which is seen as having further planned for a sham democracy is making comments on a law passed by an elected Parliament in India."

To a question about Pakistan's demand for release of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front leader Yasin Malik, the external affairs ministry spokesperson said, "We regard it as unwarranted interference in our internal affair."

Asked about the shifting of Masood Azhar, leader of the banned militant outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed from a prison to his house in Bhawalpur in Pakistan, she said India had always voiced concern about Islamabad's sincerity in dealing with terrorism.

"This reinforces our suspicion and doubts about Pakistan's attitude and its actions concerning terrorists and terrorist groups, which continue to operate there," she added.

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