Pak not acting sincerely against Mumbai attackers: Antony

Raising concern over the grim security scenario in Pakistan, the Defence Minister A K Antony accused Pakistan of not displaying the sincerity and decisiveness in dealing with the perpetrators of such attacks.

Addressing the top brass of the Indian Army at the Commanders’ Conference here on Monday, the defence minister said the Pakistani government is not acting sincerely despite being provided with the irrefutable evidences related to Mumbai attacks.

Antony further said the gloomy scenario in Pakistan is not only a source of worry for the region but also for the international community. He was referring to the recent developments in SWAT and FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) in Pakistan as a threatening sign not only for the region but the entire world.

“The grim security scenario in Pakistan ought to be a source of worry for the region and the international community. Time will tell whether Pakistan has the requisite will to transform its outlook vis-à-vis India,” said Antony.

“Terrorism and religious fundamentalism continue to pose a threat to global and regional security. The terror attacks on Mumbai have gravely undermined peace and security in the region. Despite being provided with irrefutable evidence, the Pakistan Government has not displayed the sincerity and decisiveness in dealing with the perpetrators of such attacks,” he pointed out.

Antony blamed Pakistan still pursuing the policy of state-sponsored terrorism and either refusing to, or is incapable of, dismantling the terrorist infrastructure.

The defence minister asked the top brass to develop appropriate doctrines and vocabulary to institutionalise the process while retaining the pluralistic, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual fabric of the society.

The four-day conference will focus on macro level issues pertaining to military strategy, operational logistics and matters impacting the welfare and enhancement of satisfaction level amongst all ranks.

It will also address the specific and strategic restructuring and reorganizing of Indian Army, review on the existing scales of accommodation and futuristic recommendations, review functioning of military farms and also improvements to the existing Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.