Pakistan terror situation 'very serious'

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NEW DELHI, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Terrorism is spreading in Pakistan and India, its neighbor, stands ready to repel challenges from Taliban militants, India's defense minister says.

Defense Minister A.K. Antony said Monday during the Territorial Army Day parade in the capital that the terrorism situation in Pakistan is deteriorating and that India will protect itself, the Press Trust of India reported.

"The situation in Pakistan is very serious and terrorism is spreading," Antony said in reference to a string of terror attacks. Taliban militants have made six major strikes in the past two weeks, one of them a bombing Friday that killed at least 14 people.

When asked if he was concerned about the militants' threats to carry out similar attacks in India, Antony responded, "We are always prepared to meet any challenge to our territorial integrity and national security from any quarter."