November 28, 2001

'5'

        The Government is aware that ISI of Pakistan is involved in aiding, abetting and supporting terrorism in various parts of the country. There have been incidents of smuggling of arms/explosives across the Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab borders from time to time.

        Government have adopted a well-coordinated and multi-pronged approach for tackling the activities of ISI which includes strengthening the border management, galvanizing the intelligence machinery, neutralizing plans of ISI by well coordinated intelligence based operations, setting up of out-posts of security forces in vulnerable areas and modernization and upgradation of police and security forces with advanced sophisticated weapons and communication system etc.

        Central Government has also been sensitizing the State Governments about the threat perception and activities of ISI in the country. Periodic coordination meetings are also held with the State Governments for sharing the inputs from various quarters as well as for devising strategies to counter such activities. Various security agencies belonging to Union and States have been working together to check the activities of ISI. As a result of coordinated action, a number of Pakistan backed modules have been neutralized.

        This information was given by the Minister of State for Home, Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.