Pakistan talks
“Most unfortunate is the reference in the Indian MEA statement to the person of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. We choose not to further comment beyond saying that these comments are against all norms of civilised discourse and diplomatic communication,” another statement by a Pakistani spokesperson said.
Kumar said the rethink was prompted by “two deeply disturbing developments” since the meeting was announced.
He said the “latest brutal killings of our security personnel by Pakistan-based entities and the recent release of a series of 20 postage stamps by Pakistan glorifying a terrorist and terrorism confirm that Pakistan will not mend its ways.”
While the killing of a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan happened this week, the stamps were released in July, although news of it reached India only in the past two days. The caption on the postage stamp carrying the photo of Wani read: ‘Burhan Wani (1994-2016) freedom icon’. Other stamps feature people that Pakistan Post claims are “victims of atrocities by Indian troops in Kashmir”.
“Now, it is obvious that behind Pakistan’s proposal for talks to make a fresh beginning, the evil agenda of Pakistan stands exposed and the true face of the new Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been revealed to the world in his first few months in office. Any conversation with Pakistan in such an environment would be meaningless,” Kumar added.
On Friday, Kumar attributed the brutal murder to “Pakistanbased entities”. The jawan was found with his throat slit and body riddled with bullets.
On Thursday, India’s foreign ministry said the decision to agree to Pakistan’s proposal for a meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in New York later this month was taken “in response to the spirit reflected in the letters from the new Prime Minister and foreign minister of Pakistan”.
The Pakistan prime minister said in that letter that the two countries also need to pay close attention to resolve differences on Siachen and Sir Creek. “Pakistan remains ready to discuss terrorism,” Khan’s letter was seen as a pitch for resuming the comprehensive dialogue process.
PM Modi conveyed New Delhi’s commitment to build good neighbourly relations and pursue constructive and meaningful engagement last month, the day the cricketer-turned-politician was sworn in as Pakistan’s 22nd premier.
The Congress, which earlier in the day attacked the government for its decision to meet with Pakistan in New York, welcomed Friday’s decision to call off the meeting. “Better late than never. And sometimes credit should also be given to us,” senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said in New Delhi. a human space mission by 2022.” He said the 2022 target for a human space mission will be “achievable” with Russia’s help in a few areas.