(a) whether the present Pakistan Military ruler has since invited the Prime Minister to Pakistan for talks to resolve the Kashmir issue;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the reaction of the Government thereto?
(a) whether the present Pakistan Military ruler has since invited the Prime Minister to Pakistan for talks to resolve the Kashmir issue;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI U.V. KRISHNAM RAJU)
(a) No, Sir.
(b)&(c) Leaders of Pakistan`s military regime have been making frequent calls for a resumption of an India-Pakistan dialogue, at any level, which is focussed on the issue of Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan has at the same time stepped up its sponsorship of cross border terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. In fact Pakistan`s continues with its pursuit of negative and hostile approaches towards India.
The State of Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of the Indian Union. A part of the territory of the State is under the forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan. Under the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration, which are the cornerstones of our bilateral relations, India is committed to resolving all issues with Pakistan peacefully through direct bilateral discussions. Government have on several occasions reiterated their desire to resume the Composite Dialogue that seeks to build trust and confidence, establish a stable structure of cooperation and address outstanding issues. An appropriate environment is an obvious requirement for a meaningful dialogue. It is self-evident that Pakistan must end its sponsorship of cross border terrorism in India in order to create such an environment.