20 January,2009 03:29 PM IST | | PTI
India today virtually rejected a Pakistan suggestion for extradition of Malegaon blast accused Lt Col Shrikant Purohit, saying it was "an internal matter" and that Islamabad should not be concerned over it.
"The case (Malegaon blast) is under examination by the Anti-Terror Squad (of Maharashtra Police). It is our internal matter. We are investigating it. How can Pakistan be concerned with that?" Defence Minister A K Antony asked while talking to reporters here on the sidelines of an NCC function.
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"Our agencies are inquiring about that. Let us wait for the final results. It (investigation) is our responsibility and we are doing it," Antony said in reply to queries on a Pakistani suggestion that it may demand Purohit's extradition in connection with the Samjhauta Express blast case.
Describing as "baseless" reports of the army not being prepared for a war in the aftermath of the Mumbai carnage, Antony said: "Our armed forces are in a state of preparedness. They are prepared for meeting any challenge, any eventuality and any threat from any quarter."
He said there were reports of Pakistan military build-up across the border, but they were not something which could create "panic". "At the moment, the government (of India) is concentrating on diplomatic efforts. There is no question of our armed forces lowering their guard," he said.
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