Date:01/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/01/stories/2006100115140100.htm
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Diversionary tactics, says Pakistan

Nirupama Subramanian

Such allegations will have negative impact on bilateral ties: Islamabad


  • Attempt to divert attention: Foreign Ministry
  • Allegation for "propaganda purposes"

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday said the Mumbai police allegation that its Inter-Services Intelligence was behind the July serial train bombings was "irresponsible" and "unsubstantiated," and made to divert attention from the possibility that organisations within India were behind the attacks.

    A senior Minister earlier said such allegations would have a negative impact on relations between the countries.

    The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the allegation was made for "propaganda purposes."

    "It is quite possible that this is an attempt to divert attention from indigenous elements that may be responsible for terrorist attacks in Mumbai and Malegaon in Maharashtra," the Ministry said.

    Pakistan had offered to help in the investigations into the blasts but received no solid evidence, the statement said.

    "This statement, like those made immediately after the Mumbai bomb blasts, contains unsubstantiated allegations which Indian officials and the media make for propaganda purposes."

    Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao also rejected the claim by the Mumbai police. "The allegations are highly irresponsible and without any proof." He told Geo television that such allegations could spoil relations between the two countries.

    The Minister said the ties were revived following the summit meeting of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minster Manmohan Singh.

    "But baseless allegations will have a negative impact on the dialogue process."

    He said India had not shared any information on the investigation into the attacks.

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