India defends reaction on Baluchistan

New Delhi on Sunday asserted there was nothing wrong in reacting to the "serious situation" in Baluchistan.

Notwithstanding Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf terming as "intriguing" India's comment on Baluchistan, New Delhi on Sunday asserted there was nothing wrong in reacting to the "serious situation" in the neighbouring country, particularly when it waves "red rags" at India virtually on daily basis.

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India insists that the statement by External Affairs Ministry spokesman in response to a question by journalists earlier this week was "nothing unusual or extraordinary".

"Why should there be inhibition on our side to say something on what is happening in our neighbourhood? A serious situation has been developing in Baluchistan and when a reaction was sought, the MEA spokesman gave it," a senior government official said responding to Pakistan's objection.

Pakistan waves "red rags at us virtually on daily basis", he said.

Musharraf had on Friday said that India's reaction was "intriguing".

India had on December 27 noted with "concern" the heavy military action in Baluchistan and said Pakistan should "exercise restraint" and address the grievances of the people of the region through peaceful discussions.

The reaction came when journalists sought a response from the External Affairs Ministry spokesman in the wake of reported killing of 50 local people in the army action, involving helicopter gunships.

New Delhi insisted that the reaction it gave was "quite restrained and reasonable" and did not mark any departure from its policy on Pakistan.