Rajnath's Speech in Pakistan Was Not 'Blacked Out', says Centre

New Delhi: The government on Thursday described the reports of a 'blackout' of Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement during the SAARC ministerial meeting as "misleading". "With reference to the Home Ministers meeting in Islamabad earlier today, media reports of a 'blackout' of our Home Minister's statement are misleading.

"It is the standard SAARC practice that the opening statement by the host country is public and open to the media while the rest of the proceedings are in camera, which allows for a full and frank discussion of issues," a government source said.

News agency ANI had earlier reported that members of the Indian media, who had come from New Delhi to report on the conference, were not allowed to cover the speech.

They were reportedly kept at a distance by Pakistani officials, which reportedly led to a verbal dual between officials of the two sides. Only Pakistan state PTV was allowed to cover introductory speeches of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan

Addressing the SAARC meeting, Rajnath called for tough action against terrorism and countries supporting it, saying terrorists should not be glorified as "martyrs".

"There is no good or bad terrorism. Terrorism is terrorism. There should be no glorification or eulogising of terrorists as martyrs," Singh said.

Hinting at Pakistan, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that there should be strongest action not only against terrorists or organisations but also against those individuals and nations who supports terrorism.

While talking tough on terror, Singh - who is in Pakistan to attend the 7th SAARC Home/Interior Ministers' conference - said, "There should be no glorification or eulogising of terrorists as martyrs."

The reaction came after there were reports that Rajnath Singh's speech was reportedly blacked out as media organisations were not allowed to cover the 7thSAARC Home/Interior Ministers' conference.

The only broadcaster allowed inside the venue was state-owned Pakistan Television, the reports said.