David Headley has only allayed our worst fears and whatever is being said at Chicago only confirms our suspicion, official sources travelling with the Prime Minister to Addis Ababa said. We had always maintained that terror outfits have been working closely with the ISI and the David Headley testimony only clarifies our stand.
There has been a sustained hate campaign against India in Pakistan and this testimony will give Pakistan a lot to answer and rest assured this time it is serious and cannot be brushed under the carpet, the official also said. We have been closely assessing the Headley issue and have taken note of it. Pakistan needs to come clean this time. They have to be answerable this time around since many names have come out this time.
With regard to the talks with Pakistan it is on two different aspects. We want to be and also have good neighbours. But it is also important that Pakistan is serious about combating terrorism emerging out of its soil. Pakistan needs to realise that hate campaigns against India is not helping it. The situation in Pakistan is very fragile and their stability is at stake. India really hopes that wisdom prevails and they wake up to the harsh reality. It would be necessary for them to act in their own interest as well and despite umpteen reminders the Pakistan soil continues to be used for launching attacks. When the next round of talks are held with Pakistan these issues will be taken up, the official also pointed out.
Despite all these issues with Pakistan we do not wish that the country disintegrates. We wish that Pakistan gets its act together and focuses on development. India really wishes that Pakistan becomes stable and this is in the interest of the stability in the region.
On the ongoing 26/11 trial in Pakistan, the official said that India is putting pressure on Pakistan on this aspect. Their investigation is incomplete and the pace is extremely slow and it looks as though it would take years to complete. The purpose of justice should not be defeated, the official also pointed out. On India’s most wanted error list, the official was non committal in his reply, but also pointed out that we have sent many lists and we hope that Pakistan takes them seriously.
The official also pointed out that during the forthcoming talks with the United States of America scheduled for July all bi lateral issues concerning US and India will be discussed. Issues pertaining to our neighbours will also be taken up, he also said.
The Kritika Biswas issue: India will take up this issue for sure. We had expressed our anguish when she had been arrested. We find it intriguing that on a mere complaint she was arrested. Moreover the student who confessed to the crime was just asked to join another school. Why was no real action taken against the actual culprit? It is extremely disturbing when an India is treated in such a ruthless manner. Look at the manner in which this case has been handled over there. This is nothing but double standards, the official also said.
Vicky Nanjappa 
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