(a)
whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned `Pakistan accuses India of showing belligerence` appearing in the Hindustan Times dated April 2, 2000;
(b)
if so, the facts of the matter reported therein; and
(c)
the reaction of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)
(a)-(c) Yes, Sir. Government have seen the report appearing in the Hindustan Times of 2nd April, 2000. Pakistani spokesmen often resort to propagandist statements, including frequent calls for a renewal of dialogue to deflect the increasing concern being expressed by the international community about Pakistan`s continued role in the sponsorship of cross-border terrorism in the State of Jammu & Kashmir and elsewhere in India.
Government are of the view that it is for Pakistan to create a proper environment for a meaningful dialogue to be resumed. For, post-Kargil and after the military take over in that country, Pakistan has enhanced its sponsorship and support of cross-border terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir, and elsewhere in India. It has continued to indulge in unprovoked firing across the Line of Control and the International Border. Its call for Jehad and other hostile propaganda against India has also continued unabated. Recently, General Musharraf was also reported to have said that he did not believe in either the Simla Agreement or the Lahore Declaration.
Government are committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through bilateral discussions as envisaged in the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration.