South Asia witnessing mounting threats of terrorism: Rajnath

New Delhi/Islamabad, Aug 4 (IANS) Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the South Asian region is witnessing increasing threats and incidents of terrorism, which has affected peace and stability. He also said the terrorists must not be eulogised.

Stating that terrorism was the biggest threat to the entire region, Rajnath Singh said countries need to harden up their stand to eradicate the menace.

"It is vital that the South Asian environment has necessary conditions for achieving greater regional prosperity, connectivity and cooperation, if our efforts to these objectives are to succeed. However, we are witness to mounting threats and incidents that endanger our region's peace and stability," he said.

Rajnath Singh said: "Terrorism remains the biggest challenge and threat to our peace. South Asia continues to be deeply affected by this malady, as witnessed most recently in cowardly terrorist attacks in Pathankot, Dhaka, Kabul and other places."

"Merely strong condemnation of such terrorist attacks is not enough. We must harden our resolve to eradicate this menace and also take serious steps to this end," he stressed, addressing the seventh meeting of the SAARC Ministers of Interior/Home in Islamabad on Thursday.

Emphasising that India had always stressed on good relations with its neighbours as highest priority, Rajnath Singh said: "We (India) have spared no effort in further building our engagement and working together with our partners in the region to secure peace and prosperity for our people."

He also said there was need to ensure that terrorism should not be glorified and patronised by any state.

"One country's terrorist cannot be a martyr or freedom fighter for anyone. I also speak for the entire humanity -- not just for India or other Saarc members -- in urging that in no circumstances should terrorists be eulogised as martyrs," said the Home Minister.

He emphasised that nations providing support, encouragement, sanctuary, safe haven or any assistance to terrorism or terrorists must be isolated.

"Strongest possible steps need to be taken not only against terrorists and terrorist organisations but also those individuals, institutions, organisations or nations that support them. Only this will ensure that the forces engaged in promoting the heinous crime of terrorism against humanity are effectively countered," said Rajnath Singh.