Changing the “Pakistan Policy”, the Narendra Modi-led government at the centre has now decided to “compromise” on its ‘most controversial’ point on Islamabad holding meetings with Hurriyat leaders.
Describing the leaders of Hurriyat Conference (APHC) as the‘citizen of India just like others, MoS for External Affairs VK Singh says “they can meet any leader worldwide’.
“Since the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the Union of India and these so-called Kashmiri ‘leaders’ are Indian citizens, there is no bar on their meetings with representatives of any country in India,” Singh told the Parliament.
This statement from V K Singh came in response to a query raised about the meeting between leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), and Abdul Basit during the Pakistan Day celebrations.
He, however, clarified that there is no role for a third party in the bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan as per the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. India’s displeasure at Pakistan’s attempts to interfere in India’s internal affairs has been repeatedly conveyed to Pakistan.” Singh, said this while clarifing that there should not be any interference in bilateral talks between India and Pakistan.
Soon after the BJP-led NDA government assumed power at the Centre in May 2014, it had imposed a condition to hold talks with Pakistan. New Delhi had even cancelled the Foreign Secretary-level talks on the argument that the Pakistani High Commissioner had met Hurriyat leaders before the official talks.