NEW DELHI: In an apparent message to Pakistan, President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday said “our neighbours” must ensure that their territory is not used by forces inimical to India which rejects any attempt to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

“While we offer our hand willingly in friendship, we cannot stay blind to deliberate acts of provocation and a deteriorating security environment. India is a target of vicious terrorist groups operating from across the borders,” the President said in his address to the nation on the eve of 69th Independence Day without taking any countries name.

Asserting that India’s policy will remain one of zero tolerance for terrorism, he said “we reject any attempt to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Infiltration into our territory and attempts to create mayhem will be dealt with a strong hand”.