Have sense and hand over 26/11 terrorists, PM tells Pak

“I hope some sense will prevail on the leadership of Pakistan to recognise that tackling terrorism is an area that needs cooperation,” he said addressing a press conference in Shillong after inaugurating the Indian Science Congress.

“It (Pakistan) has to take action on the demand from all civilised countries that the perpetrators (of Mumbai attacks) are brought to book. We hope that these criminals will be handed over to us to face trial,” Singh said.

His comments come a day after Pakistan ruled out extraditing anyone, citing absence of a treaty in this regard.

Expressing concern over terrorism emanating from Bangladesh, Singh regretted that Dhaka has so far not cooperated and hoped that the Sheikh Hasina government would address New Delhi’s concerns.

He said insurgent groups have taken refuge in Bangladesh and infiltration continues through the porous border.

“We will take up the issue of insurgents taking refuge in Bangladesh with the new government. I sincerely hope that the new government in Bangladesh will take appropriate measures to see that the territory of Bangladesh will not be allowed for terrorist acts against India, in particular the North East,” Singh said.

The Prime Minister, who visited the region two days after suspected ULFA struck terror in Assam, had a tough message for those resorting to violence, saying the government will go to any extent to root out terrorism from the country.

He asserted that government will never compromise with those using the gun but was open to holding dialogue with those laying down arms.

“The growing menace of terrorism and Naxalism is a cause of worry. The government will not compromise with terrorism,” Singh said.

“There were some initial setbacks, but we will overcome them. The government will go to any extent to root out terrorism from the country,” Singh said referring to the terrorist strikes in Mumbai, Delhi and Assam.

Asked whether the Centre was open to talks with the banned ULFA, Singh said, “all insurgent groups must recognise that the only course open to them is to lay down arms. We will never compromise with those who believe in the use of gun to get solution to their real or imaginary problems.”

He said insurgents and terrorists must recognise that gun is no solution to get their demands met.

“Once they lay down arms as Indian citizens we are willing to talk to anybody,” he said.