India can hit terrorists using Pak soil: Sonia

* Congress chairwoman says Islamabad did not reciprocate Delhi’s efforts for better ties

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: Indian National Congress Chairwoman Sonia Gandhi has said her country was capable of giving a “befitting reply” to those using Pakistani soil for abetting and promoting terrorism against it, a private news channel said on Sunday.

“Our wish for peace and friendship should not be taken as a sign of weakness,” Gandhi told an election rally in Dablehr area near the international border on Sunday.

“While we have tried to build friendly relations with the neighbouring country, I want to make it clear that we are capable of giving a befitting reply to those who are using their soil for promotion and abetment of terrorism against our country,” Times of India newspaper quoted her as saying.

According to the channel, she expressed disappointment over what she called Pakistan’s failure to reciprocate India’s efforts for better ties. India wanted peaceful and friendly relations with Pakistan in the same way it wanted peace and tranquillity within its territory, she said.

“We have tried to build friendly relations but it is a matter of regret that they have not understood our feelings,” said Gandhi, who arrived in a helicopter to address the rally.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have risen after last month’s terrorist attacks in Mumbai that India blames on elements in Pakistan. Ten gunmen attacked two luxury hotels, a rail station and a Jewish cultural centre on November 26, leaving around 180 dead, including nine of the gunmen. One of the attackers was caught and is in the custody of Indian police.

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