All options open on cross-border terror: Govt

The top government and Congress leadership today reiterated its resolve to give a befitting reply to Pakistan if Islamabad failed to act against terror. Speaking at a party convention, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said, “No one should take India’s self-restraint as its weakness. Powers across the border, who are aiding and supporting terrorism, will be given a befitting reply.”

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee too said Pakistan could not shirk its responsibility in fight against terrorism. He also said that all options were open to tackle the cross-border terror. “Perpetrators of Mumbai terror attacks must be punished. Nobody should think that this country is helpless and cannot tackle the situation arising out of terrorism. I repeat, all options are open,” he said.

Home Minister P Chidambaram also accused Pakistan of trying to disrupt the economic growth of India. “Our growth is our pride but it is also a matter of envy of our neighbours.”

Terming India’s current position as a unique historical and geographical context, Chidambaram explained that while many other countries faced recession, India and China were the only two major countries that were expected to grow. Mukherjee too said: “People are coming to India from all over the world. There is no shortage of investments.” Both Congress leaders emphasised they would not allow terror attempts to thwart this economic growth.

Mukherjee also warned Pakistan against diverting the issue. “Don't try to divert the attention of the international community. Take corrective measures and don't think that you can simply shirk this responsibility," he said.

Meanwhile, Home Minister P Chidambaram also claimed that in Chhatisgarh and Jharkhand the government is gaining upper hand against the Naxals. Chidambaram also said that he will soon visit Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal to discuss with the state governments on combating Naxal violence.