Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made it clear on Saturday that India would not budge on its demand of seeking the custody of the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks from Pakistan.
“Our government is determined to root out terrorism. We will go to any extent to root out terrorism. We hope better sense prevails over Pakistan and it hands over the Mumbai terror perpetrators to India for trial,” said Manmohan Singh.
The Prime Minister was in Shillong to inaugurate the 96th Indian Science Congress at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
The Prime Minister once again asserted that war was not a solution.
Referring to militant groups active in the Northeastern region of the country, the Prime Minister said India will take up the issue of militant shelters with the new Bangladeshi government. “I hope it will take appropriate measures to see that the territory of Bangladesh will not be allowed for terrorist acts against India,” Singh said.
In the next meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the Prime Minister said, the Indo-Bangla border-fencing issue would be discussed.
{{/usCountry}}In the next meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the Prime Minister said, the Indo-Bangla border-fencing issue would be discussed.
{{/usCountry}}Singh appealed to the militant outfits to lay down arms and join the mainstream.
Next fiscal will be tough
The Prime Minister said global economic slowdown had hit India’s economy and the country would be facing difficulty in next fiscal year.
“Indian is facing new challenges due to global slowdown. The next fiscal year of the country will be more difficult. We have initiated new measures to stimulate our economy,” said Singh.
The Prime Minister said India’s export sector was affected badly by the meltdown.
Nobel Laureates absent
Nobel Laureates were conspicuous by their absence at the 96th Indian Science Congress, the apex meeting of India’s scientific community at Shillong’s North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
Officials said they did not pursue invitations to Nobel Laureates in the wake of the travel advisories issued by many foreign countries.