PM rules out US-type operation in Pakistan

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today demanded a thorough investigation into the presence of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan for several years, but ruled out a US-type operation by India to eliminate Pak-based terrorists wanted by it.

"One needs to go for a thorough investigation into the presence of Osama bin Laden for such a long time on the soil of Abbottabad," he said at a joint press conference here with Afghan President Hamid Karzai after their talks.

The killing of bin Laden was a "unique moment" in the history of the region, said the Prime Minister, who arrived here earlier on a two-day visit amidst highest levels of security.

Bin Laden's death had created a "new situation" and all countries of the region -- India, Pakistan and Afghanistan -- would recognise this as a "unique moment" in the history of this region and work unitedly to end the scourge of terrorism, he said.

Asked if India would adopt the type of operation that the US carried out to eliminate the al Qaeda chief, in order to get Pak-based terrorists wanted by it, Singh began by saying "these are sensitive issues and we don't discuss strategies on terror in press conferences".

The Prime Minister concluded his response by stating, "I would like to say India is not like the United States," in a clear indication that he did not favour such an operation.