Pakistan not taking effective steps to eliminate terror: AK Antony

Defence minister AK Antony today said that Pakistan has 42 terror camps within its territory and the neighbouring country was not taking effective steps to dismantle the terror outfits.
   
"These 42 terror camps in Pakistan are active. The country has not taken any serious step to destroy these terror camps," Antony said at a press conference here following the commissioning of an Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) 'Vishwast' at the Goa Shipyard limited.

On the Indo-Pak dialogue process, Antony said that it was to India's credit that "inspite of all these problems, the country was committed to exploring all options with Pakistan on the issue."

"However, I do not expect any miracles," he said.

When asked about the increasing infiltration into India by Pak-based terror outfits, Antony said that this only meant that the peace process was on track in Kashmir.

The increasing incidents of terrorist infiltration into India was a result of Kashmir's return to normalcy at galloping pace, he said.

"Kashmir is becoming normal. Violence is less. This situation cannot be tolerated by forces inimical to India," Antony said.

Antony commissioned the ICGS Vishwast, a first of its class offshore patrol vessel which has a speed of 26 knots and has an endurance of 4,500 nautical miles.

Vishwast can stay in sea for 17 days without replenishment and has an integrated bridge system, integrated machine control system, high power external fire fighting system and an indigenously built gun mount.
   
The event was attended by senior ICG officials and Goa chief minister Digambar Kamat.