ISI supports LeT, other terror outfits in Pak: Chidambaram

Trashing Pakistan's assertion that state actors were not involved in terror acts against India, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday said the Lashkar-e-Tayiba and every other militant outfit of that country is supported by the Inter Services Intelligence and they have set up modules and sleeper cells in this country.

"If it is the state policy to sponsor terrorism, if the state policy is to export terrorism to India, how will we deal with that state," he said at the India Today conclave in New Delhi.

The home minister said, "It is no secret that every militant organisation that is based in Pakistan, is supported by the ISI. Lashkar, Hizbul Mujahideen, Jamat-ud-Dawa, Al Badr --every one of them is supported by the ISI".

Making it clear that war between the two nations was not an option, the minister said, "Then we must talk, when we can, when we think there can be progress".

He said nothing came out of the foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries held in New Delhi in February. "But I am told we are still open to another round of talks between the foreign secretaries," he said.

Chidambaram, who chose not to make any mention of Pakistan in his opening remarks, voiced New Delhi's concerns over Pakistan-sponsored terrorism during the question and answer session.

He had an unusual exchange of words with Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Malik, who tried to counter the minister's charge, that state actors in Pakistan were involved in terror acts in India.

But, Chidambaram was quick to rubbish the claim, saying this can be put to test if Pakistan gives voice samples of the list of suspects India has given to it. These can be matched with the voice transcripts of 26/11 attackers and their handlers at a nited States laboratory.

"Then we will know whether the person is a state or non-state actor," he said. The home minister said this was one way to break the logjam.

"For the sake of argument, even if we accept that (there are no state actors), is it not the obligation of the state of Pakistan to control and eliminate the non-state actors who are fomenting terrorism" from its soil, he asked.

Describing Pakistan as a difficult neighbour from 1947 with 'lucid intervals', he said, "We have a serious problem with Pakistan revolving around Kashmir. We acknowledge that."

Asked what would be India's response if there was a repeat of 26/11, Chidambaram said if it can be establish with a reasonable degree of certainty that it emanated from Pakistani soil, "then we will respond swiftly and decisively".

On whether this will be a military option, he evaded a direct reply, saying, "You can comment on that after we respond swiftly and decisively".

In a clear reference to Pakistan army and ISI's powerful hold over the nation's policies, Chidamabaram said, "We wish it can become a truly democratic country where the real power lies with the democratically elected leaders."