Pakistan-Taliban peace deal has increased India's fears: Antony

Defence Minister AK Antony has said that the truce between Pakistan and Taliban has added to India's 'worries' over the security scenario in the region.

Defence Minister AK Antony on Friday said the truce between Pakistan and Taliban has added to India's 'worries' over the security scenario in the region.

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"From 26/11 onwards, we are very much concerned about the security scenario. This new development, in a way, adds to our worries," Antony said when asked to comment on the ceasefire between Pakistani troops and Taliban militia in the Swat valley, under which Islamabad has virtually surrendered to the demands of the fundamentalists.

Antony said the Government's stand on the issue was already cleared by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

"On behalf of the government, the external affairs minister has already reacted. What he has said is the posture of the government," he said on the sidelines of an award ceremony for best marching contingents at this year's Republic Day parade.

Reflecting India's unease over Pakistan's peace deal with Taliban in Swat, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on February 17 had said, "The fact of the matter is that Taliban is a terrorist organisation. Taliban believes in nothing but destruction and violence. In my assessment, Taliban is a danger to humanity and civilisation."