ISI still training militants, attacks will continue: NSA

National Security Advisor M K Narayanan on Wednesday said that attacks on India from Pakistani soil would continue...

National Security Advisor M K Narayanan on Wednesday said that attacks on India from Pakistani soil would continue, as the Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) continues to train militant groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Narayanan, who was delivering the 25th Air Chief Marshal P C Lal memorial lecture in the Capital, said India wants stability in Pakistan but is concerned about the “strong pockets” of anti-Indian sentiment in the country, particularly within the ISI.

“We see no change in the attitude of ISI to mentor terrorist activities of the Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. Attacks on India from the soil of Pakistan will continue,” he said.

Narayanan said that Pakistan continues to follow an India-specific military strategy and is acquiring weapons systems and missiles to counter India. He warned that growth of radical elements in Pakistan would have an adverse effect on the security of India.

Stating that one of the biggest threats to Indian security emanates from the volatile Pak-Afghan border, he said: “Suicide bombers are sent out from the areas and we have evidence of terrorist camps set up there.”

On China, the NSA said that India needs to build a consensus over the “true intentions” of the country. He said that India needs to decide whether the country should be treated as a threat or as a neighbour.

However, Narayanan cautioned that China and Pakistan continue to have tie-ups in military spheres. “China and Pakistan are collaborating on nuclear and space capabilities.

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They are modernising the Air Force, Army and Navy. Differences with China continue on the border issue,” he said.

In a significant statement, the NSA called for a debate on India’s involvement in Afghanistan and said that a consensus is needed on whether it should go beyond the role of providing humanitarian assistance.

Commenting on the situation is Sri Lanka, the NSA said that a flashpoint is nearing and the military onslaught could lead to an explosive situation. “We are committed to a united Sri Lanka but we want the government to treat Tamils with dignity,” he said.