SAARC nations call for effective cooperation to tackle terror

Unequivocally condemning terrorism, India, Pakistan and six other SAARC countries today underlined the need for effective cooperation among them to combat the menace and decided to establish a cyber crime monitoring desk to stop high-tech illegal activities.
The declaration, adopted by the leaders at the conclusion of 18th SAARC Summit, said, "the leaders directed their respective authorities to ensure full and effective implementation of the SAARC Regional Convention on Suppression of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol, including through enacting necessary legislations at the national level to root out terrorism."
The eight-member grouping also agreed to establish a cyber crime monitoring desk to check and stop trans-national high-tech illegal activities.

"The leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations and underlined the need for effective cooperation among the member states to combat them," the declaration said.
The SAARC leaders also reiterated their call for an early conclusion of a UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
"They agreed to take effective measures to combat illicit trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances, arms smuggling, money laundering, counterfeit currency and other transnational crimes," it said.

On the opening day of the summit yesterday, most of the SAARC leaders described terrorism as a major challenge and demanded effective cooperation among the regional member states to tackle it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, "Today, as we remember the horror of the terror attack in Mumbai in 2008, we feel the endless pain of lost lives. Let us work together to fulfil the pledge we have taken to combat terrorism and trans-national crimes".
Sri Lankan President Mahina Rajapaksa had termed terrorism as "fundamental security challenge" both regionally and internationally.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had criticised the countries which provide safe havens to terrorists and assured the other leaders that he will never allow his country to be used for proxy wars against neighbours.