Terrorism has become state policy of Pakistan: NSA Doval

New Delhi: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said that terrorism has become state policy of Pakistan and it has been providing a safe breeding ground for terrorists.

Addressing a two days ‘Annual Conference of Chiefs of State Anti- Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Special Task Force (STF) here on Monday, he said "If a criminal has the support of a state, it becomes a great challenge. Some of the states have mastered this. In our case, Pakistan has made it as an instrument of its state policy”.

Mr Doval also added that Pakistan was under immense pressure at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting, currently underway in Paris for providing safe haven for them.

"One of the biggest pressures that has come on Pakistan today is because of the proceedings of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), it has created so much pressure on them, he added.

Referring to the nefarious design of Pakistan the National Security Advisor said that terrorism is a low-cost sustainable option which may damage enemies to a great extent in comparison with a full fledge war would cost.

Mr Doval also stressed upon a comprehensive approach to counter terrorism. He laid special emphasis on curbing terror funding. However, he pointed out that this would be possible only by meticulous investigation. In this regard, he appreciated NIA’s action in terror funding cases in Kashmir Valley.

Speaking at the occasion, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director YC Modi that the terror group’Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh’ (JMB) has increased its activities in Bihar, Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka in guise of Bangladeshi immigrants.

“The Jamaat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) was trying to spread its wings across India and a list of 125 suspects have been shared with different states, the NIA Chief Modi said during his address. The NIA also claimed that they have unearthed a Khalistani terror plot.

"There have been continuous efforts from across the border to revive terror activities in Punjab. Sixteen arrested for targeted killings in eight cases. Khalistan Liberation Force was found to be involved. Funds from UK, Italy, France, and Australia were sent for this," IG Alok Mittal said.

Mr Mittal said from 2014 to 2018, the JMB has set up 20-22 hideouts in Bangalore and tried to spread its bases in South India.and theu even conducted a trial of rocket launchers in the Krishnagiri hills along the Karnataka border.

The conference has been organised by the NIA in order to enhance co-operation between State Polices and Central Agencies in the field of counter-terrorism investigation. Detailed discussions on different issues related to terror crime investigation such as terror funding, radicalization and cyber forensics as well as prosecution would be held.

The inaugural session was attended by all DGs & other senior officers of Central Armed Police Forces, Central Police Organisations, other central agencies.