Type: Parliament Questions and Answers

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether the attention of Government has been drawn to the news item ‘Cricket used as cover for terror’ published in the media on 30 June, 2012 stating that the key accused of 26/11 attack had visited India as cricket fans on Pakistani passports bearing fake names and conducted reconnaissance of important sites in Delhi and Mumbai for about a fortnight;

(b) if so, Government’s reaction thereto;

(c) whether Government considers to review the cricket diplomacy with Pakistan; and

(d) if so, the steps taken in this regard, if so, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) As per available information, two alleged conspirators of Mumbai terror attack, as revealed by David Coleman Headley, visited New Delhi in 2005 on the pretext of watching India-Pakistan cricket match.

(b) to (d) Government continues to take steps to enhance and facilitate contacts between peoples of the two countries who lie at the heart of the bilateral relationship, including promotion of sporting ties. However terrorism against India emanating from Pakistan and territory under its control remains a core concern for us. Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India’s national interest and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.

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Pakistan
South Asia