Need to ensure terrorism isn't patronised by any state: Kiren Rijiju

He said India is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations

Justice to the victims of terror attacks like in Mumbai and Pathankot could be delivered only when countries stop patronising terrorism as well as any type of extremist act, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday.

Delivering an address at an international conference on counter-terrorism in Bali, Indonesia, Rijiju said there is a need to ensure that terrorism is not glorified and is not patronised by any state.

"One country's terrorist cannot be a martyr or freedom fighter for anyone. A terrorist anywhere is a terrorist everywhere. No type of terror activity or support to it can be justified on any ground whatsoever. Only then justice will be delivered to the victims of terrorist attacks such as in Mumbai and Pathankot," he said.

The minister said terrorism is an attack on the very idea of civilised societies and an attack on humanity itself. It defies international boundaries and hardly any nation is free from its impact.

Lately, he said, the menace has seriously escalated with terrorist groups creating havoc by maximising human losses through perpetration of widespread killings and destruction.

Rijiju said India is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to ensure that the perpetrators of terrorist acts, their masterminds and conspirators are brought to justice.

"We unequivocally condemn all acts, methods and practices of terrorism, which cannot be justified under any circumstances, regardless of their motivation, wherever and by whomsoever they are committed.

"There should be zero tolerance against terrorism. We reaffirm that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group," he said.

The minister said those who provide support, encouragement, sanctuary, safe haven or any assistance to terrorism or terrorists must be isolated, according to a statement.

"Strongest possible steps need to be taken not only against terrorists and terrorist organisations but also against those individuals, institutions, organisations or nations that support them," he said.