Saturday, January 7 2006 19:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: Accusing India of providing financial support to rebels in Balochistan, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said he was 'disappointed' and 'annoyed'over the concerns expressed by India over military operations in the province but the 'irritant' would not be allowed to upset the peace process.

"It (allegations over Balochistan) should not be a setback to the process of dialogue on resolution of disputes. I am not only disappointed but annoyed. But I controlled (myself) and did not give any comments. Now that you are asking, definitely it is a direct interference in our internal affairs," Musharraf said in an interview to Karan Thapar for CNN/IBN TV news channel.

He claimed there was a lot of evidence of Indian involvement in Balochistan but he would not like to comment on it.

"Reasonable amount of evidence but I would not like to get involved in it," he said.

Asked whether he was confident of the allegations, he said, "Lot of indications, yes indeed, such as financial support, support in kind being given to those who are anti- government and anti-me. People who are anti-nationals."

Musharraf said he backed statement by Interior Minister, Aftab Sherpao and Chief Minister of the Province, Jam Muhammad Yusuf about Indian involvement.

About India expressing concern over aerial bombings in Balochistan, Musharraf said, "We had dozens of opportunities to do the same in India. We did not. But we will not accept any interference or any comments in our internal affairs. In a way it shows that probably there is disappointment because there may be involvement from the other side."