Dark forces of terror from Pak scuttle our peace bids: Tharoor

Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said India has repeatedly tried to have peace with Pakistan but the "dark forces" of terror operating there openly have consistently undermined these efforts.

India on Saturday said it has repeatedly tried to have peace with Pakistan but the "dark forces" of terror operating there openly have consistently undermined these efforts.

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Justifying the recent Foreign Secretary-level meeting, India said talks with Pakistan will have to be kept going so that concerns related to terrorism could be addressed and peace and stability maintained.

"For peaceful relations with Pakistan, we have repeatedly taken initiatives to try and peacefully resolve our outstanding problems. Sadly, the dark forces of terrorism have consistently undermined our efforts," Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said in New Delhi.

Pointing out that terrorists were still finding "shelters" in Pakistan, he said New Delhi has asked Islamabad to bring the perpetrators of 26/11 attacks to justice and dismantle the terror infrastructure there.

"Terror activities and call for jihads have continued to emanate openly from Pakistan," he said at a function and
warned that these very forces could adversely impact Pakistan's own safety and security.

In Chandigarh, Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur said talks with Pakistan were necessary to convey
India's concerns on terrorism emanating from that country.

"We have to keep our talks (with Pakistan) going on as only then concerns related to terrorism and steps required for
maintaining peace and stability can be taken," she told a press conference.