Fugitives to figure in India-Pak talks

India will raise the issue of most-wanted fugitives residing in Pakistan during the home secretary-level talks in Islamabad on May 24-25. This was stated by union home secretary RK Singh, who arrived at the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport on Wednesday morning

India will raise the issue of most-wanted fugitives residing in Pakistan during the home secretary-level talks in Islamabad on May 24-25. This was stated by union home secretary RK Singh, who arrived at the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport on Wednesday morning to review the newly-built Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the Attari border.

When asked whether sanctions imposed by the US on underworld don Dawood Ibrahim's aides would mount pressure on Pakistan, the home secretary said, "I hope so. India will raise the issue of fugitives living in Pakistan. We will also talk about Lashkar-e-Tayyeba founder Hafiz Saeed," he added.

Dawood, who is on India's most-wanted list, is suspected to have masterminded the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. He is believed to be residing in Pakistan.

On cross-border drug smuggling, the home secretary said, "Regular seizure of drugs by the Border Security Force (BSF) indicates that their personnel are keeping a tight vigil."

He stated that India would sign a new visa regime with Pakistan during the upcoming visit.

About the ICP, RK Singh said, "The purpose of my visit here is to review the facilities and look into issues concerning traders and other groups."

Regarding the Naxal menace prevalent across India, he said, "It is a very old problem, but we are fighting it strongly. If somebody wielding a gun feels he can challenge democracy, we will prove him wrong."

Before visiting the ICP, the home secretary and his wife paid obeisance at Harmandar Sahib.

Earlier, Amritsar deputy commissioner Rajat Aggarwal, police commissioner RP Mittal and BSF additional director general (ADG) Himmat Singh received RK Singh at the airport. He was also accorded a guard of honour.