Arguing that terror groups striking the country were supported by the Pakistan Army, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said the state-sponsored terrorism by Pakistan against India dates back to 1947 when the country attained Independence.
After releasing the book Facets of Terrorism in India written by retired Intelligence Bureau officer R.N. Kulkarni in Mysuru on Wednesday, Ms. Sitharaman referred to the influx of militants into Jammu and Kashmir from across the border soon after Independence
Pakistan claimed they were raw hands, but they were wearing army fatigues. From then on, the Pakistan Army has been “regularly using non-regulars” to propagate terror. “These non-regulars, who are now called non-state actors, are not recruited into the army, but the army uses them to propagate terror,” she said.
Seeking to highlight the seriousness of the “state-sponsored” terrorism India is facing, Ms. Sitharaman said the extent to which one has to deal with these terrorists is as good as dealing with an organised army, which provides them resources and support.
So, these are the nuances confronting the government of India in protecting the country’s national security, she said.
Whenever such attacks take place, Ms. Sitharaman said, Pakistan asks for evidence. When proof is provided, they claim it is not good enough. “Clearly, their intention is to not act,” the Defence Minister claimed.
Justifies air strikes
Justifying the air strikes by India against terror camps across the border after the Pulwama attack, Ms. Sitharaman said the surgical strikes of 2016 and the recent ones were based on information obtained from intelligence. The strikes were aimed at targeting only the nerve centre where terrorists were trained and sent to India. Hence, she said India’s action was hailed by countries across the world.
However, Ms. Sitharaman was critical of the Opposition for questioning the government’s actions, and even termed it as a form of “terrorism” they confront.