Not scared of threats by Pak-based terrorists, says Rajnath Singh

New Delhi: With Intelligence reports suggesting Pakistan-based terrorists planning strikes in India, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday attacked the neighbouring country for "not mending its ways" despite being given a befitting reply many times.

"Pakistan is not mending its ways. Despite getting a befitting reply many times, it is not mending its ways. But India is not scared of Pakistan's threat," he told PTI. He was replying to a question on Intelligence inputs, which said strikes could be carried out by militant groups on "soft targets" in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit this month.

Singh, however, said no effort would be left to foil any such attempts by terrorists to disturb peace. "For security, whatever necessary steps are required, we will take," he said.

Obama will arrive here on January 25 for a three-day visit during which he will attend the Republic day parade as chief guest. General Officer Commanding (GOC), 16 Corps, Lt Gen K H Singh had said that 200 heavily-armed militants were waiting in 36 launching pads across the Line of Control (LoC) on the other side of Pir Panjal range and there is every possibility that Pakistan might try to divert the fringe elements of the home-grown terrorist groups on this side of the border.

"There are general inputs that terrorists might try to attack soft targets, including schools, religions places, army convoys and other civilian areas," he said. Asked about reports that Pakistan plans to ban 10 terror outfits, including JuD and the dreaded Afghan-based Haqqani Network, the Home Minister said even though Pakistan has banned a number of organisations in the past, they have come up with new names. "They have banned many organisations. But these organisations have come up with different names. Pakistan must ensure that no terrorist organisation comes up with a new name and again start terror activities," he said.

There have been reports that Pakistan plans to ban 10 terror outfits, including 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa and the dreaded Afghanistan-based Haqqani Network.