‘State, non-state terror actors in Pakistan not different’

NEW DELHI - Squarely indicting Pakistan for actively aiding and abetting terror outfits that indulge in terror activities against India, union Home Minister P. Chidambaram Monday said there was “no distinction between state and non-state (terror) actor in Pakistan”.

“I have never believed in this distinction between state and non-state actor as far as Pakistan is concerned. The information that we have got recently makes it quite clear that this so-called distinction so far doesn’t exist,” Chidambaram told Times Now TV news channel.

Maintaining that India has got more information from the US on terror suspects David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana, being tried in a Chicago court for plotting and aiding the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, Chidambaram said Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has no face to say that he will not take any action against terrorists operating from Pakistani soil.

“There is more information after Headley was arrested, Rana was arrested. I believe the Americans have shared that information with Pakistan. So it is not necessary for me to share it with them,” said Chidambaram.

“Given that information, how can the prime minister of Pakistan say that he cannot do anything and he will not do anything. In fact, the information which has come to us from Americans in the last few days and which I believe is also available to Pakistan, should goad them to take firm action,” the home minister added.

Asked about US Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ remark that India’s patience will wear thin in case of another 26/11 attack, Chidambaram said: “I guess he was articulating the angst of India.”

“Therefore, if there is another terror attack emanating from Pakistan, I guess the whole world will hold Pakistan responsible,” he added.