India PM says Taliban must be contained in Pakistan

Source: Xinhua | 05-11-2009 16:08

NEW DELHI, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Monday the Taliban militants in Pakistan must be contained while expressing his concern about the growing influence of the militant group in the neighboring country.

"The situation is not good in our neighboring country. Taliban needs to be immediately contained in Pakistan. The minorities are facing problems there after the Taliban have imposed 'jazia' or religious tax on them in the tribal areas. We have also started talking to Pakistan on the issue," said Singh while addressing an election rally at Amritsar, 60 km from Pakistan border, in the northern state of Punjab.

Singh did not react to the remark by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari two days ago that India is not a threat to Pakistan and it is facing greater danger from terrorists inside the country.

But an Indian External Affairs Ministry official said on Sunday the statement by Pakistan president is a positive step toward the peace process between the two neighboring countries.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei