India blasts Pak for using terror groups to wage proxy war in South Asia

NEW DELHI : India today slammed Pakistan for harbouring terrorism on its soil, a day after the Pentagon disclosed to US Congress that Islamabad uses militant groups as proxies to wage a war against superior Indian Military. The External Affairs Ministry termed the Pentagon report as a growing acknowledgement of Pakistan’s direct involvement with the terror groups.
“It manifest a growing acknowledgement in the international community of the extent of Pakistan’s involvement in international terrorism,” Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.
Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju also lambasted Islamabad for using militants against India. “We have always been saying the same thing which is now being realised by the international community, ” he said. In its latest half yearly report, the Pentagon said,’Afghan-and Indian-focused militants continue to operate from Pakistan territory to the detriment of Afghan and regional stability,’ adding that Pakistan uses these proxy forces to hedge against the loss of influence in Afghanistan and to counter India’s superior military.
The report also noted that the Indian Consulate in Herat, Afghanistan, was attacked just ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister. The more than 100 page report said that Pakistan relationships with terror elements run counter to Islamabad’s commitment to support Afghan-led reconciliation.
‘Such groups continue to act as the primary irritant in Afghan-Pakistan bilateral relations,’ it said. (AGENCIES)