Rice denies timeline but asks Pak to act quickly

Amid simmering tension between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks which took the life of nearly 180 people and injured over 300, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that Pakistan must take quick action against militants operating from its territory, but denied that India had set 48-hour deadline for Pakistan to take action against Mumbai terror accused.

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There is no timeline. But Pakistan has a responsibility to act against the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks, and we have asked Islamabad to act as fast as possible, the US top diplomat said in an interview with the Fox television on Sunday, and added the US had completely rejected the Islamabad contention that non-state actors responsible for the Mumbai massacre.

“Pakistan’s argument that these are non-state actors is not acceptable. Non-state actors in your territory are still your responsibility,” she said, ‘this is a time when Pakistan must act, must act in accordance with India, US.’

Rice said that there was no compelling evidence to prove Pakistani official had any role in the 26/11 attacks. But there is no doubt its territory was used by militants residing there. So, Pakistani has a responsibility to act.

When asked whether Pakistan should handover 20 people India want, she allegedly said what is important here that Pakistan act and these perpetrators are brought to justice and share each and every information that they may have for making sure subsequent attacks do not happen.

Asked if India should go for aerial strike on militant camps based in Pakistan, Rice emphatically said that it would be unwise on India’s part to launch unilateral strikes against any militant camps on the Pakistani soil. New Delhi should avoid anything that may worsen the South Asian situation.

Any unwise act would worsen the relations between the two countries that have been improving on recent years. But keeping the progressive relations on the track Pakistan must act against those responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks as India and US expect, she said.