'Need proof of Lashkar disbanding'

The Lashkar-e-Tayiba, recently banned by the United Nations, is a creation of Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence and until India sees it disbanded, it is difficult to believe the infrastructure of terrorism has been disbanded in Pakistan, a senior officer accompanying Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his three-day visit to Russia said.

Dr Singh, along with a 90-strong team including the media, is in Moscow to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Victory Day -- a day that symbolises the victory of allied forces over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Briefing journalists on board the prime minister's aircraft on Sunday about India's border-related problems, the official said New Delhi was very sincere in its talks with the Nagas. He also added that if the United Liberation Front of Asom was willing to talk, it will be considered. "There is no harm in talking," he said.

However, he didn't think the situation was right for India to hold talks with Kashmiri militant leaders from across the border.

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Talks with Pakistan on the Siachen issue are scheduled to be held on May 22.

Commenting on it, the official said: "The defence secretary has been told to take liberal view on Siachen."

Speaking about relations with Bangladesh, he said the issue of Border Security Force officer Jeevan Kumar's murder and other issues have been taken up through diplomatic channels and India will wait and watch.

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When asked about Bangladesh's refusal to extradite senior ULFA leaders, he said, "Prime Minister Singh has reiterated many times that India wants good relations with its neighbours. Bangladesh is not friendly with us on such issues."

Commenting on left-wing extremism, he said it was not merely a law and order problem. It was also due to economic and social tension and tribal-related issues.

Media persons were also informed that National Security Adviser M K Narayanan would visit China for the next round of border talks by June or July, while the next South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation meeting in Dhaka will be held in September or November.