Eye on Pak, Theresa May joins PM Modi in anti-terror fight

In a clear signal to Pakistan without naming it, visiting British Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the Uri terror attack in a joint statement with Prime Minister Naredra Modi, asking Pakistan bring to justice the perpetrators of the November 2008 and 2016 terrorist attacks in Mumbai and Pathankot. The reference to Pathankot is significant as it shows that Britain too agrees that even the Pathankot attack was planned in Pakistan.

In another clear indication towards Islamabad, the joint statement also said there “should be no glorification of terrorists or efforts to make a distinction between good and bad terrorists”. The British Prime Minister on Monday affirmed support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in demanding strong action against those who support terrorism and provide sanctuary to its perpetrators after he voiced deep concern over cross-border terrorism. Terrorism was one of the key subjects at the talks between the two prime ministers.

“Prime Minister May strongly condemned the September terrorist attack on the Indian Army Brigade headquarters in Uri, and offered condolences to the victims and their families. The two leaders strongly affirmed that terrorism is a serious threat to humanity. They reiterated their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stressed that there can be no justification for acts of terror on any grounds whatsoever — agreeing that there should be zero-tolerance on terrorism. ... The two leaders reiterated their call for Pakistan to bring the perpetrators of the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot attack to justice,” a joint statement released by the two countries said.

Addressing a joint event with the British leader, PM Modi said, “I discussed with Prime Minister May, ways to purposefully work together to combat the growing forces of radicalisation and terrorism. We agreed that it is not a limited security challenge. Its arc of threat spreads across nations and regions...”

Terrorists moves across borders with ease, and endanger the entire humanity. I conveyed our deep concerns to Prime Minister May regarding cross-border terrorism and the need for the international community to take strong action against States that support and sponsor terrorism.”

On her part, Ms May said, “Prime Minister Modi and I have agreed to step up our cooperation, by negotiating a cyber framework between our countries which would improve our mutual cyber security, promote a free, open and secure cyberspace, and unlock commercial opportunities for UK industry.”