There should be no 'selective efforts' against terror: Krishna

Ahead of his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said the trial here of seven accused in the Mumbai attacks case, including LeT's operations chief Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, was moving at a slow pace and India would like to see its expeditious and successful conclusion.

He told PTI in an interview that Pakistan's contention of making a distinction between state and non-state actors regarding terrorism was "untenable" as "it is common knowledge that terrorist groups and individuals have been provided sanctuaries and safe havens" in this country.

"Pakistan must realise that India harbours no ill-will against it and the cancer of terrorism needs to be rooted out completely," Krishna said. "There can be no selective efforts against this scourge. There is a clear and present danger from terrorist groups that needs to be appreciated and acted upon decisively," he underlined.

Krishna will hold talks with Qureshi on Thursday on a wide range of issues with major thrust being on anti-India terrorism that continues to emanate from Pakistan.
"India has long been a victim of terrorism emanating from Pakistan," he said.

He said there was a growing realisation not only in Pakistan but within the international community as well that terrorism needs to be combated effectively and comprehensively.

Referring to Mumbai attacks, Krishna said Pakistan has taken some steps for prosecuting some of those responsible for it. "However, more needs to be done."
He said Pakistan would need to bring the Mumbai terrorist attack investigation and trial in Pakistan to a conclusion expeditiously and in a transparent manner, unveil the larger conspiracy in Pakistan behind the Mumbai terrorist attack and take action against the ideologues and others involved in anti-India activities in the territory under its control.