PM says Pak is 'mothership' of terror, wants collective action

Benaulim, Oct 16 (PTI) Dubbing Pakistan as "mothership" of global terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pressed for "comprehensive" and "collective" action against the menace and its supporters, warning that any selective approach will be "counter-productive".

At the BRICS Summit here attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders of other member countries, Modi lambasted Pakistan without naming it, saying it not only shelters terrorists but also "nurtures a mindset" that "loudly proclaims that terrorism is justified for political gains".

He also appeared to be sending out a message to the Chinese President whose country has blocked designation of Pak-based terror group JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN as he said that those supporting terrorism have to be "punished, not rewarded".

Asking the BRICS nations, which also include Brazil and South Africa, to act together against the threat posed by terrorism, Modi said response to terrorism must be nothing less than comprehensive and that countries must act both "individually and collectively".

"In our own region, terrorism poses a grave threat to peace, security and development. Tragically its mothership is a country in India's neighbourhood. Terror modules around the world are linked to this mothership. This country shelters not just terrorists. It nurtures a mindset. A mindset that loudly proclaims that terrorism is justified for political gains.

"It is a mindset that we strongly condemn. And, against which we as BRICS need to stand and act together. BRICS must speak in one voice against this threat," he said at the Summit also attended by Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma.

Underlining that "Criminality should be the only basis for punitive action against the individuals and organizations responsible for carrying out terrorist acts", the Prime Minister said "Terrorist funding, their weapons supply, training and political support must be systematically cut off." 

He also called for early adoption of the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism saying doing so will be an expression of "our resolve" to fight the menace. .