New Delhi, August 19 – Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit’s invitation to Kashmiri separatist groups, also known as Hurriyat, ahead of secretary-level talks between New Delhi and Islamabad has evoked sharp responses from political parties.
“Pak High Comm feting separatists, Pak Army intruding across the border, ISI attacking Indian Consulate in Herat, BJP govt sleeps. Ache Din Agaye (good days are here),” Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari tweeted.
“The Pakistani Embassy can call citizens of India. But people they are calling do not believe in the unity of India. It is an attempt to spoil the environment,” Subramanian Swamy of the BJP said.
Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and her Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry are scheduled to hold talks on August 25, the first official dialogue between the two countries in over a year.
The invitation to Kashmiri separatists also comes in the backdrop of a spurt in ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, with the latest incident of Pakistan army troops firing at nearly 20 BSF posts in Jammu sector reported on Sunday. There have reportedly been nine violations along the LoC in the last 10 days.
“It is simply not acceptable that Pakistan army does ceasefire violations at LoC and their High Commission calls Hurriyat leaders. India should make it known that this is not acceptable,” CPI leader and Rajya Sabha MP D Raja said.
Looking forward to the Pakistan High Commission meet, senior separatist leader Shabir Shah said, “We are not against talks, but talks will not be complete without a solution to Kashmir issue.” He said he will be attending the meeting scheduled in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Last week, PM Narendra Modi had accused Pakistan of waging a proxy war against India through militancy.”How will Pakistan react if Indian envoy calls a meeting of Balochistan leaders?” Jay Panda of the BJD asked.
-INDIA TODAY
