By IANS
Thiruvananthapuram : Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony Wednesday said here India has been closely monitoring developments in Pakistan following the assassination of Pakistan’s former premier Benazir Bhutto.
“We wish to make no comments on their politics but we wish that normalcy returns to Pakistan at the earliest. This is because India and Pakistan are discussing several issues,” Antony said.
The defence minister was speaking to reporters at a book release function here before winding up his three-day visit to Kerala.
Asked about Maoist problems, Antony admitted that the problem was very intense in 2-3 states, and said the menace would be tackled through a “two-pronged strategy”.
“This (the strategy) involves dealing the terror attacks by the Maoists with an iron hand and also preparation of an action plan to tackle the social and economic issues faced by tribals and rural villagers in affected states,” he said.
“Once these social issues are tackled then it would be easier to flush out these Maoists.”
Regarding the increasing reports of corruption in defence forces and ministry, Antony said corruption would not be tolerated at any cost.
“We give high priority to tackling corruption in the defence ministry and the guilty will not be spared,” Antony maintained.