Don't glorify terrorists

Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday called for tough action against terrorism and countries supporting it, saying terrorists should not be glorified as "martyrs".

"There should be strongest of action not only against terrorists but also against organisations, individuals and nations who support terrorism," Rajnath Singh told a meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) interior ministers here.

"There is no good or bad terrorism. Terrorism is terrorism. There should be no glorification or eulogising of terrorists as martyrs."

"Those who provide support, encouragement, give sanctuary and safe haven and assistance to terrorists and terrorism must be isolated," he said.

"Only then justice will be ensured for the victims of terrorist attacks such as in Mumbai and Pathankot. We must have the approach of 'zero tolerance' against any type of terrorism," he stated.

The Indian minister's visit to Islamabad comes amid unrest in the Kashmir Valley which India says is being stoked by Pakistan. The turmoil started after the July 8 killing of pro-Pakistan rebel commander Burhan Wani.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had described Wani as a "martyr" who died fighting for the "freedom" of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing yesterday's meeting, Sharif said Pakistan was committed to jointly working with Saarc member countries to fight terrorism, corruption and organised crimes.

He said the Saarc region was blessed with tremendous human and natural resources. "So, Saarc can and should provide a platform to optimally harness the regional potential for peace and prosperity of our people," he said.

Sharif said such an approach was in sync with his government's vision of "peace for development and peaceful neighbourhood."

"Pakistan has always been supportive of initiatives taken by Saarc to advance its ideals and objectives as enshrined in its charter," he said.

Indian media and private Pakistani news channels were not allowed to cover Rajnath's speech, according to at least two television reports.

India, however, described the reports of 'blackout' of Rajnath's statement during the meeting as "misleading", reports Hindustan Times.