Talibanisation in Pakistan is a serious security threat to India: IAF chief

Bangalore (Karnataka), April 29 (ANI): The Talibanisation of certain elements in Pakistan is a serious concern for Indian security as far as threats posed by its neighbours is concerned, said Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne.

Delivering the Air Chief Marshal L M Katre Memorial Lecture here on Saturday, Air Chief Marshal Browne said: "We are conscious of the need for peace and stability in Pakistan, what we find is systematic Talibanisation and what was earlier in Afghanistan as the focal point of terrorism from Al-Qaeda has dramatically shifted very fast not only from the Fata region or the north-west frontier province but also the heartland of Pakistan or the Punjabi Taliban."

"And in case if we find that the situation continues to deteriorate in the Afghanistan region, specially after the IASF (International Security Assistance Force) and Americans withdraw from that region, our fear is that we may have corrective like these, who would be very close to the Wagah Border to deal with," he added.

Commenting on the militant outfit Jamaat-ud-Dawah founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed's speech at a seminar in Peshwar last week, Air Chief Marshal Browne said that their next game plan is to target Kashmir after Kabul.

"As Hafeez Saeed recently last week at Peshawar in one of the seminars that it is Kabul now we are dealing it, the moment that is resolved, the take over next is Kashmir in J and L (Jammu and Kashmir). This is our concerned as far as Afghanistan and Pakistan are concerned," said Air Chief Marshal Browne.

On the perceived threat from China, he said: "When you look at China, again perceptions, we may think it is assertive, the world may think it is assertive but they may not think so in that fashion. There are some geo-political implications, of course, three of them, with string of policies, we find no change, the disputed border with India, that remains, which they feel is conducive to their requirements and not necessarily of ours and we believe is that as China and India geo-strategic space will shrink and that will also be a source of friction as both then countries grow economically and develop fast."

The Karnataka Chapter of Air Force Association, a forum of former air warriors of IAF had organised the lecture, and this year's theme was, Strategy and Capabilities. (ANI)