WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has made it clear that there can be no redrawing of borders in Kashmir, triggering a sharp response from Pakistan on Monday which said the ‘dispute’ must be settled in line with the UN resolutions.
“I have publicly stated that there can be no redrawing of borders (in Jammu and Kashmir). But our two countries can work together to ensure that these are borders of peace, that people-to-people contacts grow in a manner in which people do not even worry whether they are located on this side of the border or that side,” he told CNN in an interview.
Singh was asked whether he saw any prospects for productive negotiations with Pakistan.
“If trade is free, if people-to-people contacts (are there) and our both countries competing with each other to enable people on both sides to lead the life of dignity and self respect. Those are issues, which we can discuss, we can reach agreement,” he said.
In Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said: “Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory awaiting settlement in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.
Accusing Pakistan of not doing enough to bring to book the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Singh said India does not know whom to deal with in Islamabad as the army is the most powerful force in the neighbouring country.
“No, they (Pakistan) have not done enough,” Singh said. “They have taken some steps. I have discussed this matter with Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, when we met at Sharmel Sheikh (in Egypt). The joint statement we issued, he assured us Pakistan will do all that is possible to bring to justice the perpetrators of Mumbai massacre,” he said.
“But it is our feeling that Pakistan has not done enough. Hafeez Saeed is roaming around freely. Maulana Azhar Masood and other terrorist elements, the Lashkare Toiba, according to Pakistan’s own admissions is actively involved in perpetrating massacre in Mumbai, they are moving around freely. The conspiracy took place in Pakistan,” Singh said.
Agencies
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