New Delhi, Jan. 26: The international community, particularly Europe and Great Britain, need to recognize that it is not correct to give any regional context to the menace of terrorism, said Minister of State for External Affairs, Anand Sharma.

In an exclusive interview to ANI ahead of India's 60th Republic Day, Sharma pointedly criticized British Foreign Secretary David Miliband's linking of the resolution of the Kashmir issue to the end of terror in South Asia. He emphatically said that this was an erroneous, unwarranted and unfortunate interpretation, and that the Indian Government did not agree with this view.

"Well, it's most unfortunate that he (Miliband) made this observation. It was unwarranted and we don't agree with this interpretation or understanding at all, which is not all reflective of the realities of the situation as it prevails in the subcontinent," Sharma told ANI

"With the kind of cross-border terrorism that has inflicted many wounds on this country, it's equally important that the international community, particularly Europe and Great Britain, who have been duly informed of the developments in the region, do recognize that it will not be correct to give any regional context to terrorism," he added.

He clearly drew a link between Sunday's encounter at NOIDA and the operation of terror camps in Pakistan.

"The NOIDA encounter shows that terror groups are still active in Pakistan, though we (India) have repeatedly told Pakistan to dismantle the terror infrastructure," Sharma said

Reacting to Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's statement on Sunday that his government would take the entire world into confidence over the probe related to the Mumbai terror attack during the ground breaking ceremony of the Head Muhammad Wala bridge, Sharma said: "It's a great threat that confronts us. This region in the world, it's not the question of assurances. What is required is demonstrative, effective action to dismantle the network of terrorism, which based in Pakistan, and also to neutralize all those who threaten peace and stability in the region."

"We have been urging Pakistan for long - it's important that words are met with action, and Pakistan honors the assurances and commitments, both bilateral and international. It's in the interest of not only of peace in the entire region, but in the world itself," he added

When asked whether there was a link between the incident in NOIDA and the Mumbai attack to Kashmir, Sharma said: "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and what we have here is imported terrorism. It's also dangerous to give any religion the tag of terrorism. There is no cause, no grievance, which can justify terrorism, which kills and maims innocent, defence-less civilians. Therefore, there can be only one action, collective action, a firm action by the international community to eliminate this culture." (ANI)