Manmohan Singh sees foreign hand behind Mumbai blasts

MUMBAI: Without taking any country's name, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said the serial blasts in Mumbai were carried out by terrorists with support from across the border, and warned Pakistan that it would be 'exceedingly difficult' to carry forward the peace process if it did not control terrorist elements operating from its territory.

 

"I have explained it to the government of Pakistan at the highest level that if the acts of terrorism are not controlled, it is exceedingly difficult for any government to carry forward what may be called as normalisation and peace process," he told a press conference here after a three-hour visit to the city rocked by Tuesday's blasts in trains that killed about 200 people.

 

"We are also certain that these terror modules are instigated, inspired and supported by elements across the border without which they cannot act with such devastating effects," he said.

 

Asked whether talks on confidence-building measures with Pakistan will continue, Singh said, "Pakistan, in 2004, had solemnly given an assurance that Pakistani territory will not be used to promote, encourage, help and abet terrorist elements directed against India."

 

"That assurance has to be fulfilled before the peace process or other processes can make progress," he said.

 

Noting that the terrorists were intending to destroy India's economic strength, unity and communal harmony, he asserted, "We cannot allow this to happen."

 

His remarks are the first comments, even if indirectly, from the government suggesting Pakistani links to the Mumbai blasts.

 

"We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that terrorist elements in India are neutralised and smashed. This requires sustained action and pressure by the Centre and state governments and the cooperation of various elements of civil society," Singh said.

 

Maintaining that terror modules existed in Mumbai and in many other parts of the country, he said, "We have credible information to that effect."

 

To a question on whether intelligence inputs were received, the prime minister said, "Adequate warning was given and something big was being anticipated. But those who perpetrate terror have the advantage of surprise."

 

He stressed the need for upgrading intelligence and technological capabilities, using electronic surveillance systems, and strengthening communication systems and access control at vital installations and high-profile targets.

 

Lauding intelligence agencies and the Mumbai Police for their good work, he asked police forces to improve ground-level intelligence and "keep their ears to the ground".