NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Maintaining that the terrorist strike in Kalu Chak army camp was "as grievous as" the attack on Parliament, he said the government would weigh all pros and cons before taking a decision, which would be in the supreme interest of the nation.
Participating in the discussion in the Lok Sabha on the May 14 strike, Abdullah attacked the international community for failing to take on board India's concern against cross-border terrorism.
Referring to reports that Pakistan had mobilised its nuclear arsenal during the Kargil conflict, he said: "I fail to understand how could Pakistan even consider a nuclear option. Given the size of India and Pakistan, which country will be around... Pakistan will be stupid to consider nuclear option."
Abdullah said the international community had only paid lip service to India's concerns and instead of punishing Pakistan had given benefits, including a $500 million World Bank loan, a day after the Jammu killings.
He said the government would continue to demand handing over of 20 terrorists by Pakistan and would not resume dialogue with Islamabad till cross-border terrorism ended.
Complimenting Leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi for her views on the matter, Abdullah said on matters of national interest the country remained united.
He said Pakistan was working on the wrong assumption that it would be difficult for the coalition government in India to take major decisions on the basis of consensus.
Referring to the coming assembly elections in J&K, he said though the polls should be held in October as per schedule, "these are not more important than our unity and security".
"We will like the elections to be held in time, but we will also like the polls to be in peaceful atmosphere," the minister said.
The Attack in Jammu: The Complete Coverage
Tell us what you think of this report