ISLAMABAD: India told Pakistan on Wednesday that "selective efforts" should not be used to deal with terrorism and termed as "untenable" any attempt to make a distinction between state and non-state actors involved in terror.
Ahead of his meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi, external affairs minister S M Krishna said the trial here of seven accused in the Mumbai attacks case, including LeT's operations chief Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, was moving at a slow pace and India would like to see its expeditious and successful conclusion.
He told PTI in an interview that Pakistan's contention of making a distinction between state and non-state actors regarding terrorism was "untenable" as "it is common knowledge that terrorist groups and individuals have been provided sanctuaries and safe havens" in this country.
"Pakistan must realise that India harbours no ill-will against it and the cancer of terrorism needs to be rooted out completely," Krishna said.
"There can be no selective efforts against this scourge. There is a clear and present danger from terrorist groups that needs to be appreciated and acted upon decisively," he underlined.
Krishna will hold talks with Qureshi on Thursday on a wide range of issues with major thrust being on anti-India terrorism that continues to emanate from Pakistan.
"India has long been a victim of terrorism emanating from Pakistan," he said.
He said there was a growing realisation not only in Pakistan but within the international community as well that terrorism needs to be combated effectively and comprehensively.
Referring to Mumbai attacks, Krishna said Pakistan has taken some steps for prosecuting some of those responsible for it. "However, more needs to be done."
He said Pakistan would need to bring the Mumbai terrorist attack investigation and trial in Pakistan to a conclusion expeditiously and in a transparent manner, unveil the larger conspiracy in Pakistan behind the Mumbai terrorist attack and take action against the ideologues and others involved in anti-India activities in the territory under its control.
Krishna said Pakistan's action against terrorism emanating from the territory under its control is not only good for peace and stability in the region but it is also in its own interest.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphatically mentioned to his counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani in Thimphu in April that Pakistan has to act on the issue of terrorism and the terror machine that operates from Pakistan needs to be eliminated, the external affairs minister said.
Gilani, on his part, told Singh that Pakistan was equally seized of these concerns and wanted to address this issue comprehensively and effectively as terrorism has affected Pakistan's well-being also, Krishna said.
Singh also conveyed to Gilani India's "very deep and continuing concerns" about Jamaat-ud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed being allowed to go free and engage in language and communications that are "certainly not conducive to building an atmosphere of trust and confidence," Krishna said.
He expressed hope that India's concerns were registered with the Pakistani side.
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