India says situation in Pakistan "very serious"

NEW DELHI, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- India Monday said the situation in neighboring Pakistan is "very serious," but claimed for the first time that it is prepared to handle any threat to its security from the Taliban.

"The situation in Pakistan is serious. Pakistan must tackle the situation sincerely and seriously. We are ready for any challenge to security, be it from Taliban or any other terrorist group," said Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony.

"We are always prepared to meet any challenge to our territorial integrity and national security from any quarter. Our security forces are keeping eternal vigilance," the minister added.

Antony was talking to the media on the sidelines of the Territorial Army Day parade in the national capital.

Pakistan has witnessed a wave of terrorist attacks in the recent past, the most audacious being last week's Taliban attack in its cultural city of Lahore, which claimed 41 people's lives.