Shringla says evidence shows Pakistan-based terror groups behind killings in Kashmir

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Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said on Saturday that the direct involvement of Pakistan-based terrorist organisations was very evident in the latest spate of killings that have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>
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“We are seeing increasing cross-border infiltration and we captured one of them, which shows the direct involvement of terrorist organisations within Pakistan," Shringla said at a media event organised by the India Today group.</p>
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"We want good relations with our neighbours, including Pakistan. But it is incumbent on Pakistan to ensure that there is no direct cross-border terrorism on India emerging from its territories," he pointed out.</p>
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Talking about Pakistan’s gameplan in Afghanistan and the danger that it poses for India, the foreign secretary said, “we have seen the ISI chief go to Afghanistan and facilitate the formation of a government that has 35 members of Cabinet, who are designated individuals in UN Security Council's terror list.”</p>
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"When you nurture and support an ideology that is associated with acts of terrorism, extremism, radicalism, you have to be careful that it doesn't come back and is not counterproductive,” Shringla remarked.</p>
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He said whether it is Pakistan or the Taliban, India expects them to behave responsibly and live up to their commitments.</p>
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He said, "the concern really is whether those who control the territories can control the terrorist groups that operate out of it.’’</p>
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India should be fully prepared to deal with the situation as there is the possibility of interests that want to use the situation to the detriment of others, he said in an oblique reference to Pakistan exploiting the situation in Afghanistan. </p>
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The foreign secretary said whether it be India's diplomatic posture or political and military response "our system is geared to meet that challenge."</p>
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Shringla also said that India is willing to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and it has engaged with the representatives of the Taliban in Doha.</p>
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He pointed out that India has been a constructive partner in the development of Afghanistan and has invested more than $3 billion in the country before the Taliban took over.</p>
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