Rice urges Pakistan to cooperate in Mumbai probe

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged Pakistan yesterday to cooperate "fully and transparently" in investigations into the Mumbai attacks that have upset India-Pakistan relations.

India said the 10 militants who rampaged through its financial capital killing 171 people were not only from Pakistan but were also controlled from within that country.

If Pakistan fails to act swiftly against those responsible, India has threatened to pull out of a nearly five-year-old peace process between the nuclear rivals.

"This is the time for everybody to cooperate and do so transparently, and this is especially a time for Pakistan to do so," Dr Rice told a press conference in New Delhi.

Separately, the top US military commander flew into Islamabad urging Pakistan to broaden its campaign against jihadi groups following the attacks in Mumbai.

Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, urged Pakistan to "investigate aggressively any and all possible ties to groups in Pakistan" and "take more, and more concerted, action against militant extremists elsewhere in the country".

Dr Rice also warned India not to take action that would provoke "unintended consequences". Analysts have warned that an escalation in military tensions in South Asia could distract Pakistan from the battle against militants on its Afghan border, or undermine its civilian government.

About 10,000 protesters blocked traffic in Mumbai and shouted slogans in the biggest public expression of anger so far since the attacks. Most of it was directed at the government security failure, along with Pakistani involvement.

"I have come with my friends because we can not take it any more. The politicians must act, they must stop taking us for granted," trader Mahesh Patel said.

"Down down Pakistan, attack Pakistan!" some shouted angrily. "Hail India! Shame, shame politicians!"

Dr Rice cut short a visit to Europe and flew to India as tensions soared in South Asia. She is expected to visit Pakistan as well, officials in Islamabad said.

"We have to act with urgency, we have to act with resolve and I have said that Pakistan needs to act with resolve and urgency and cooperate fully and transparently. That message has been delivered and will be delivered to Pakistan," Dr Rice said.

Later she added that even if "non-state actors" had carried out the attack, it would still be Pakistan's responsibility to take "direct and tough action" against them.