Rajnath talks tough in Pakistan, says don’t glorify terrorists as martyrs

There should be strong action against not only terrorists but also individuals and nations supporting them, Union home minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday, a

There should be strong action against not only terrorists but also individuals and nations supporting them, Union home minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday, a possible reference to Pakistan that India accuses of sponsoring cross-border extremist strikes.

Pakistani officials escort Rajnath Singh, second from left, as he arrives to attend a meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, in Islamabad. (AP)

Speaking at a Saarc foreign and interior ministers summit in Islamabad, Singh argued against “glorification” or “eulogising” of terrorists as martyrs, a possible hint at Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, whose death triggered waves of violence in Kashmir.

Wani – a poster boy of terrorism -- was held in high regard by many in the Valley with Pakistan calling him a martyr and blaming India for the clashes that have left 50 dead and nearly 2,000 injured.

“Mere condemnation of terrorism and terrorists isn’t enough. There is no good or bad terrorist,” said Singh at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

For years, India has alleged that Pakistan favours “good” terrorists who are fighting in Kashmir and supports them while condemning terrorism elsewhere.