LoC killings will delay Secretary-level talks: India.

LoC killings will delay Secretary-level talks: India.

File photo Indian security personnel near the Line of Control,
 Samba sector in Jammu and Kashmir. India on Tuesday told
 Pakistan that upholding sanctity of the LoC was the most
 importan Confidence Building Measure between the two countries.

NEW DELHI | PTI | 13 Aug 2013 :: Pakistan has suggested August 27-28 for the Wullar Barrage meeting between the water and power secretaries and September 16-17 for the Sir Creek issue.

India on Tuesday gave a clear indication that killing of five of its soldiers on LoC by the Pakistan Army will delay the India-Pakistan Secretary-level talks, asserting that dialogue can only proceed in an environment free of violence and terror.

It also asked Pakistan to uphold the sanctity of the LoC, saying it was the “most important Confidence Building Measure” between the two countries.

Pakistan should abide by its publicly-articulated commitment made by newly-elected Prime Minister to seek a relationship of peace, friendship and cooperation with India and should not allow its territory to be used against anti-India activities, an External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said.

He was responding to a query on Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, leading Eid prayers at the famous Gaddafi stadium in Lahore.

Asked about India’s stand over the Pakistani proposal suggesting dates for Secretary-level talks, he said India did receive last month proposals for some Secretary-level dialogue which were to be hosted by Pakistan.

“... For peaceful dialogue to proceed we need an environment free of violence and terror. And certainly what has happened last week doesn’t fit into that. That said there was no timeline for the held definitely to held. We are considering these things and have factored-in all subsequent developments also. We will take a call in due time,” he said.

In its proposal, Pakistan has suggested August 27-28 for the Wullar Barrage meeting between the water and power secretaries and September 16-17 for the Sir Creek maritime boundary issue.(Courtesy:The Hindu)