No let-up in cross-border terrorism: MEA slams Pak-OxBig News Network

India desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan, but there has been no let-up in terrorism originating from across the border, says the annual report of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The MEA uploaded its ‘Annual report 2024’ on its website on Friday, saying all issues between the two countries should be resolved bilaterally and peacefully in an atmosphere free of terror, hostility and violence. It said the onus was on Pakistan to create a conducive environment.

The report said, “It has been made clear that India will not compromise on issues relating to national security and will take firm and decisive steps to deal with all attempts to undermine India’s security and territorial integrity.”

India continued to face cross-border terrorism as well hostile and fabricated propaganda generated by Pakistan, it said.

Hinting at how Pakistan tries to interject, the report said the Indian Government had completely and unequivocally rejected in entirety, all such actions and statements by Pakistan on matters which were completely internal to India.

The Government of India continued to engage the international community on its position as well as Pakistan’s role in aiding and abetting terrorism in the region, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir, the report said.

Pakistan-sponsored terrorism remains a core concern. India has persistently asked Pakistan to respect the January 2004 commitment of not allowing territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India.

However, there had been no let-up in cross-border terrorism, it said. “The use of military-grade weapons, drones, communication equipment and under-ground tunnels for infiltration by terrorists, as well as smuggling of arms and narcotics into India across the Line of Control and the international boundary continues,” the report said.

India has consistently urged Pakistan to take concrete, verifiable and irreversible steps to curb terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Several UN-designated terrorists and similar entities continue to thrive in Pakistan. “It has not demonstrated any sincerity in delivering justice to the families of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks,” the report said.

“India continues to raise the issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistan directed at India, at various bilateral and multilateral fora, including at the UN,” it said, adding that there was now greater awareness in the international community on Pakistan’s use of terrorism as a tool of statecraft.