Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said that terrorists were getting support from the "neighbourhood", apparently referring to Pakistan, even as he welcomed the statements by Congress leaders on the killing of top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
"I heartily welcome the statement by senior Congress leader and leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and former minister Salman Khurshid on Burhan Wani being a terrorist," he said while lauding the statement made by Congress President Sonia Gandhi, in this regard.
These statements indicated a "collective stand" on terrorism, he said.
Naidu was asked about reports that Pakistan based Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin had a meeting today and also Pakistan's stance on Wani's death.
"Pakistan should take note of what is happening in their land. Today these two people coming together and they are openly saying that they would spread terrorism. That has to be taken note of by the Pakistani government and they have to take appropriate action," the Union minister said.
Naidu said that as far as India is concerned, it will crush any sort of terrorism with all the force that is required.
"It is a long issue because they are getting support from the neighbourhood. Aiding, abetting, funding, training terrorism has been going on" he said apparently referring to Pakistan.
We have to take it seriously and the government has taken it seriously, he added.
The Union Information and Broadcasting minister appealed to media agencies to "exercise restraint," and ensure that while reporting in such matters "one should not create sympathy for terrorists."
"This man who is responsible for killing of many innocent people, do not deserve any sympathy at all," Naidu said adding that those "giving sermons should understand that Indian Army and forces are working day and night to protect the unity and integrity of the country."
There are "safeguards" in India if there is any violation of human rights, he emphasised.
"The issue is concerning national security, religion does not come in to the picture at all. Anybody with common sense would know who are these Hizbul Muzahiddin commanders? Who are these terrorists?," Naidu said.
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Earlier in a statement today, Congress President Sonia Gandhi had maintained that there can be "no compromise" on matters relating to national security and that terrorism must be dealt with firmly.
In an appeal to people of the Valley, she asked them to allow political parties find "durable and enduring ways of fulfilling their aspirations meaningfully in a peaceful and democratic manner."
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad also voiced concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the Valley where, he said, "irreparable collateral damage" has taken place.
A former J and K Chief Minister, Azad said the need of the hour is to ensure that law and order is restored at the earliest without any further loss of lives.
Speaking to reporters here, Naidu also expressed concern over the situation of "stranded" Amarnath yatra pilgrims.
Naidu said that the he had taken up the issue of the stranded Amarnath Yatra pilgrims who belong to various states. All steps are being taken to assist them.
