Manesar (Haryana), Oct 16: Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today asserted that there would be no let up in security forces' operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and observed that a record number of more than 200 militants were killed last month. "Operations against terrorists will continue. We are determined to root out terrorism. Over 200 terrorists were killed last month. This is a record," he said addressing NSG commandos on the force's 19th raising day here.
Regretting that Pakistan has failed to stop sponsorship of cross-border terrorism despite the hand of friendship being extended by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Advani said touch-stone of Islamabad's sincerity to fight terror would be to return the 20 Pakistan-based fugitives wanted by India for serious crimes.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Pakistan had resorted to the proxy war against India after being defeated in all the open wars. Terrorist training camps are continuing to function in Pakistan, which, he said, was not interested in dealing with terrorism.
Lauding NSG for its role in combating the menace whether it occurred in J&K, Punjab or Akshardham temple in Gujarat, he said it was the right "youthful" force to deal with terrorism, the "demon" of the century, with its symbol of "Sudershan Chakra".
Recalling that NSG was set up in 1984 after the assassination of Indira Gandhi, Advani said the force comprised young officers and men as they came from various other security organisations only on deputation.
Bureau Report