August 16, 2008	Saturday	Sha'aban 13, 1429

NEW DELHI, Aug 15: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Friday that terrorist incidents such as the attack on Delhi’s embassy in Kabul were intended to harm friendship with Pakistan, but he also urged Islamabad to do more to thwart them.

“Our goal in South Asia is to seek a peaceful, stable and prosperous neighbourhood,” Mr Singh said in his traditional address from the 17th century Red Fort.

“We wish all our neighbours well. We welcome the strengthening of democratic forces in our neighbourhood, especially in Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan.”

However, Mr Singh said, the recent blasts in the Indian embassy in Kabul had cast a shadow over efforts to normalise relations with Pakistan “and to bring a lasting and honourable peace in our region.”

He had personally conveyed his concern and disappointment to the Government of Pakistan, the prime minister said.

“If this issue of terrorism is not addressed, all the good intentions that we have for our two peoples to live in peace and harmony will be negated. We will not be able to pursue the peace initiatives we want to take. The terrorists and those who support them are enemies of the people of India and Pakistan, of friendship between the two countries and of peace in the region and the world. We must defeat them.”

Terrorism, extremism, communalism and fundamentalism had emerged as major challenges to the unity and integrity of India. The recent attacks in Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and other parts of the country were barbaric. Improving intelligence gathering, and beefing up police and security forces were a priority.

“Whatever resources are required, will be provided. Whatever manpower is required will be provided. We are firm in our resolve to meet the challenge of terrorism,” he said.

But, the prime minister added: “The challenge of communalism, of extremism and of terrorism cannot be won by a nation divided.”

He said the recent incidents in Jammu and Kashmir had caused serious concern.

”In this hour of crisis, divisive politics will lead us nowhere. I appeal to all political parties to keep the long term interests of Jammu and Kashmir in view and come together to find a permanent solution to the problems of the State.”

This year India hopes to send its space craft, Chandrayan, to the moon.

“It will be an important milestone in the development of our space programme,” Mr Singh said. He also praised the nuclear agreement with the United States saying it would end India’s nuclear isolation.