Pakistan reacts to theft & illicit sale of radioactive materials in India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday issued an official response to the “recurring incidents of theft and illicit sale” of nuclear and other radioactive materials in India.

The Times of India had previously reported that Indian police arrested three individuals in Bihar for illegally possessing 50 grams of radioactive californium worth Indian rupees 8.5 billion.

“Pakistan is gravely concerned at the reports of recurring incidents of theft and illicit sale of nuclear and other radioactive materials in India,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch was quoted as saying in a statement.

“In the latest incident, a gang of individuals were found in illegal possession of a highly radioactive and toxic substance californium, worth US$100 million in quantity,” the press release noted.

“These recurring incidents call into question the measures taken by New Delhi for the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive material. These incidents also suggest the existence of a black market for sensitive, dual use materials inside India, it added.

“The international community seeks an earnest disclosure from the Indian authorities as to how a sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) material, like Californium, was in the possession of the apprehended individuals. It is dangerous for such sensitive material in India to be routinely found in the wrong hands. Pakistan reiterates its call for a thorough investigation of these incidents and for adequate measures to prevent their recurrence,” the statement concluded.