PM Manmohan Singh rules out US-type operation in Pakistan

The killing of bin Laden was a “unique moment” in the history of the region,said the Prime Minister,who arrived here earlier on a two-day visit amidst highest levels of security.

Asked if India would adopt the type of operation that the US carried out to eliminate the al-Qaeda chief,in order to get Pak-based terrorists wanted by it,Singh began by saying “these are sensitive issues and we don’t discuss strategies on terror in press conferences”.

The Prime Minister concluded his response by stating,”I would like to say India is not like the United States,” in a clear indication that he did not favour such an operation.

Referring to the killing of bin Laden,Singh said it has created a new situation and all countries of the region — India,Pakistan and Afghanistan — would recognise this as a “unique moment” in the history of this region and work unitedly to end the scourge of terrorism.

To the question on US-type operation,he expressed hope that the world community would use its increasing amount of influence to persuade all countries in the region that the future does not belong to having continued recourse to the scourge of terrorism.

“Experience in the past has been rather frustrating and disappointing. One cannot lose hope. Let me say one thing,I would like to say India is not like the United States,” Singh said.

In his opening remarks,the Prime Minister announced a fresh commitment of USD 500 million to Afghanistan in the next few years for its development.

“This will consist of specific projects and schemes and other initiatives that will be developed in consultation with the Government of Afghanistan.