India’s diplomatic offensive against Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil got a major boost on Tuesday with Britain adding to the international pressure even as Islamabad claimed that the material provided by New Delhi was not ??evidence?? but ??information??.
Visiting British foreign minister David Miliband on Tuesday asserted that his country was ??absolutely clear about the origin of the Mumbai terror attack, and the responsibility that exists in Pakistan to bring the perpetrators to justice??. Addressing a press conference along with external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee, Miliband said that it was very important that ??those who are arrested are brought to trial on the basis of the evidences that have been accumulated??.
Asking Pakistan to take action against the LeT, Miliband, however, rejected India’s accusation about the involvement of the Pakistani state in the Mumbai attacks. When asked about what action Pakistan needed to take in the aftermath of the Mumbai carnage, for which India has blamed Pakistan-based elements, he said that, ??The responsibility of the Pakistan side is those who have been arrested must be brought to justice .??
??What is relevant is the approach of the Pakistan to the LeT and the way it takes on the menace of the LeT organisation,?? he added. Underlining that Pakistan needs to adopt ??a multi-pronged approach?? to tackle LeT and terrorism within its borders, he said.
??They need to be taken on politically in a frontal and clear manner. The Pakistan government, the Pakistani state has the primary and the fundamental responsibilities to tackle the roots of this organisation??. The visiting foreign secretary also asked Pakistan not to focus on ??historical rights and wrongs?? and to concentrate on weeding out terrorism. He underlined that a stable Pakistan is necessary for the security of India, Afghanistan and the region.
