India rubbishes Pak charge of its involvement in Lahore blasts

In a strongly-worded statement, the External Affairs Ministry said Pakistan should concentrate on dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism directed against India.
"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 destabilizing Pakistan."

India, the statement said, unequivocally condemns the series of bomb blasts in Lahore on March 12, 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," it said.

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

Two near-simultaneous suicide attacks took place in Lahore yesterday killing 45 people, including 10 soldiers and injuring 100 others. Pakistani authorities have been blaming India for these attacks and other acts to foment trouble.

"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," it said.