August 26: Asserting that justifying terrorism and interference in the internal affairs of India is not a serious basis for a result oriented dialogue, New Delhi on Friday hit out at Islamabad saying that Pakistan is the “prime perpetrator” of terrorism’ and called on the hostile neighbour to shows sincerity towards promoting good neighbourliness and peaceful co-existence.
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External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup on Friday confirmed that India has written a strongly worded letter to Pakistan stating that “not just India but the larger region is aware that Pakistan is the prime perpetrator as far as terrorism is concerned”, reported ANI.
With union finance minister Arun Jaitley staying from the SAARC finance ministers meeting in Islamabad, India has once again sought to convey a message to Pakistan that cross border terrorism is having an adverse impact on bilateral relations between the two hostile neighbours. “He further said that agenda before India & Pakistan, today is to clearly to put end to cross border terrorism & incitement to violence from Pakistan”.
The Foreign Secretary said India should come to the negotiating table on the Kashmir issue.
Jaishankar, while conveying his readiness to be available to engage any time of mutual convenience on these issues, mentioned that justifying terrorism and interference in the internal affairs of India are hardly serious basis for a result-oriented dialogue. He added that Dawood continues to remain on the designated list as a global terrorist; the 1267 monitoring committee continues to retain his Pakistani passport as a valid document; the United Nations has also confirmed that he resides in and has properties in Pakistan; and that the United Nations continues to keep a regular watch on him.
Afghanistan also blames Pakistan for supporting the rebel Taliban to overthrow the Ashraf Ghani government in Kabul.
Recently, Bangladesh also pointed a finger at Pakistan for involvement of its Inter Services Intelligence in the Holy Bakery terror attack on 1 July. In this regard, he briefed the visiting delegation on the exchange of letters between Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry and his Indian counterpart.
Washington’s military and economic aid to Pakistan is reported to have sharply declined in recent years as a result of Islamabad not dealing with militant groups in the country, besides growing relations between the United States and India. He said he had invited his Indian counterpart for talks on the Kashmir issue, who refused after initially accepting it.
Pakistan’s description of Wani as a “Kashmiri leader” angered India as did its offer to send relief material to Kashmir, which has been under curfew for many days.
This was stated by advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday.
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The move comes after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced in Srinagar on Thursday that he had asked Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to make preparation for the visit. “The letters tell Pakistan that if you want a serious conversation of the kind we’d hoped we were beginning when Pathankot happened, we’re open to that”, a senior official involved in drafting the documents said.
