New Delhi, Aug 19: India today rejected as "outlandish" Pakistan's charge that it was running more than 55 militant training camps to carry out subversive activities against that country, saying this was aimed at warding off increasing pressure on Islamabad on the issue of terrorism. "This charge is outlandish," external affairs ministry sources said when asked about Pakistan foreign office spokesman's remarks that there were more than 55 terrorist- training camps in India across the Line of Control to target Pakistan and fuel sectarian differences.

New Delhi also feels that the US has not put the same pressure on Pakistan in addressing India's concerns on cross-border terrorism as it had done on the issue of clamping down on Talibans. Citing an example, the sources said following such American pressure, Pakistan handed over 500 al Qaeda militants to the US. "Pakistan has not handed over even one (terrorist and criminals taking shelter in that country) to us", the sources said while referring to the list of 20 wanted persons which was given to Pakistan by India.

The sources said the Pakistani spokesman's statements revealed that their mindset has not changed. "That they go to this extent to ward off increasing pressure on them on the issue of terrorism shows they have really no serious desire to deal with this problem," the sources said. They noted that when the two countries were in the process of improving relations, the Pakistani spokesman's remarks being "out of tune" with the public sentiments were surprising.

Bureau Report