Pakistan Blacks Out Rajnath's Speech At SAARC Meet

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh talked tough against terror at the SAARC meeting on Thursday but his speech was blacked out by Pakistan, reports said.

News agency ANI reported that members of the Indian media, who had come from New Delhi to report on the conference, were not allowed to cover the speech.

They were reportedly kept at a distance by Pakistani officials, which reportedly led to a verbal dual between officials of the two sides. Only Pakistan state PTV was allowed to cover introductory speeches of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan

Addressing the SAARC meeting, Rajnath called for tough action against terrorism and countries supporting it, saying terrorists should not be glorified as "martyrs".

"There is no good or bad terrorism. Terrorism is terrorism. There should be no glorification or eulogising of terrorists as martyrs," Singh said.

Hinting at Pakistan, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that there should be strongest action not only against terrorists or organisations but also against those individuals and nations who supports terrorism.

While talking tough on terror, Singh - who is in Pakistan to attend the 7th SAARC Home/Interior Ministers' conference - said, "There should be no glorification or eulogising of terrorists as martyrs."

He said, "There are no good terrorists or bad terrorists. Mere condemnation of terrorism and terrorists is not enough. The world has to unite together to fight is this menace. Terrorism is main hurdle in achieving goals."

"Those who provide support, encouragement, give sanctuary and safe haven and assistance to terrorists and terrorism must be isolated," he further said.

The troubled Indo-Pak relationship was evident when Singh barely shook hands with his counterpart Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan. They came across at Serena Hotel – SAARC conference venue – but the two leaders barely touched their hands.

Singh along with senior officials of the Home Ministry went to Islamabad on Wednesday. He will not have any bilateral meeting with his Pakistani counterpart.

Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin and leaders of other terrorists groups wanted by the Indian agencies condemned Singh's visit to Pakistan.