Need to ensure terrorism isn't patronised by any state: Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi: Justice to the victims of terror attacks like in Mumbai and Pathankot could be delivered only when countries stop patronising terrorism as well as any type of extremist act, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday.

Delivering an address at an international conference on counter-terrorism in Bali, Indonesia, Rijiju said there is a need to ensure that terrorism is not glorified and is not patronised by any state.

"One country's terrorist cannot be a martyr or freedom fighter for anyone. A terrorist anywhere is a terrorist everywhere. No type of terror activity or support to it can be justified on any ground whatsoever. Only then justice will be delivered to the victims of terrorist attacks such as in Mumbai and Pathankot," he said.

The minister said terrorism is an attack on the very idea of civilised societies and an attack on humanity itself. It defies international boundaries and hardly any nation is free from its impact.

Lately, he said, the menace has seriously escalated with terrorist groups creating havoc by maximising human losses through perpetration of widespread killings and destruction.

Rijiju said India is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to ensure that the perpetrators of terrorist acts, their masterminds and conspirators are brought to justice.

"We unequivocally condemn all acts, methods and practices of terrorism, which cannot be justified under any circumstances, regardless of their motivation, wherever and by whomsoever they are committed.

"There should be zero tolerance against terrorism. We reaffirm that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group," he said.

The minister said those who provide support, encouragement, sanctuary, safe haven or any assistance to terrorism or terrorists must be isolated, according to a statement.

"Strongest possible steps need to be taken not only against terrorists and terrorist organisations but also against those individuals, institutions, organisations or nations that support them," he said.

Rijiju said the will and the mandate of international community against proscribed and wanted terrorists and their organisations must be respected and implemented.

"If the world community is to rid itself of terrorism, we will have to rid ourselves of the notion of making distinctions between 'good' and 'bad' terrorists," he said.

The minister said India, which has been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, is not immune to threats of radicalisation and terrorist violence which is now affecting more and more countries all over the world.

"Nevertheless, we remain highly concerned and closely monitor and guard against the activities of terrorist entities in various parts of the world from influencing the younger sections of the Indian population with extremist online propaganda and material.

"The risks posed by foreign terrorist fighters trying to enter the country from across the border and by other means are also similarly constantly assessed and monitored," he said.

Rijiju said countering terrorism also requires a strong collective action by the global community. India is regularly engaging with various countries bilaterally for exchanging perspectives on developments pertaining to the menace of terrorism and deepening cooperation for exploring possibilities and modalities of addressing security threats emanating from it.

"In order to address the menace of terrorism, a strong international legal framework is the need of the hour. In this context, nations must urgently consider expediting finalisation of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the UN umbrella mooted by India as early as 1996," he said.