We want peace but LoC incident is unacceptable: Manmohan Singh
PM says the government is firm on dealing effectively with any threat to the country
New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said India wanted peaceful existence with its neighbours but the recent incident of beheading by Pakistani troops was “against the norms of civilized international behaviour" and “unacceptable".
Addressing a conference of governors in New Delhi, Singh said there is a need to recognize that India’s neighbourhood is “characterized by growing instability and uncertainty" and that capabilities of armed forces and police are being “constantly strengthened" to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges.
“We remain committed to working for good relations and peaceful existence with our neighbours. However, we are also firm in our resolve to deal effectively with any threat to our country," he said.
Referring to beheading of Indian soldier by Pakistani troops in Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said,“Incidents like the one that took place on the line of control (LoC) last month are against the norms of civilized international behaviour and are simply unacceptable to us."
Pakistani troops had carried out a cross-LoC attack on 8 January, killing two Indian soldiers, one whom was beheaded. India has since been pressing for return of the head. The incident had angered the country which put on hold a scheme for visa for elderly people and the Prime Minister had stated that after the incident, it could not be “business as usual" with Pakistan.
Referring to the security challenges facing the country, Singh told the conference that capabilities of armed force and police are being “constantly strengthened" to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges.
“We are also undertaking infrastructure development programs in the border areas to enhance mobility as well as connectivity," he said.
Referring to Left-wing extremism, he said its geographical spread in the country is showing a shrinking trend even though in Assam, it is expanding, which is “worrisome".
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