New Delhi: India has reacted sharply to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's speech to his nation on Thursday demanding proof of Pakistan's involvement in the Mumbai serial blasts.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Navtej Sarna at a press meet on Friday said Pakistan had not cooperated in the past also on matters of terror.
"We are disappointed with Pakistan's continuing denial with the presence of jehadis. Pakistan had refused to cooperate in the past when substantial evidence was provided regarding terrorists in Pakistan," Sarna said.
He said if Pakistan were serious in its offer, it should first deport underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin.
"The self-styled chief of the Hizbul Mujahideen Syed Salahuddin, who is freely roaming in Pakistan and PoK and has appeared on the same stage as many ministers of the Federal government of Pakistan, should be arrested and handed over to India," he said.
"If they (Pakistan) really want to convince the people of India that they are willing to work together with India against terrorism then they have to take some action immediately and they can," Sarna added.
Meanwhile, MEA stressed that the Government is seriously looking into the security of the country after 7/11 blasts.
Emphasising that Pakistan must act on the promises made earlier not to allow the territory under its control for any terrorist activities against India, New Delhi also asked Islamabad to ban Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a political outfit of Lashkar-e-Toiba, and arrest its leaders.
Affirming India's commitment to the dialogue process with Islamabad, Sarna, however, said this can "be sustained and yield results only if Pakistan acts against terrorist groups operating from its territory and PoK in accordance with its solemn commitment of January 6,2004."
Saran also stressed on the arrest of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. " Dawood Ibrahim, who has been listed by the UN Security Council's 1267 Committee as an individual associated with al-Qaida, should be arrested and deported to India."
(With inputs from PTI)
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