Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray said here on Thursday that if Pakistan released India’s in-custody pilot Abhinandan Varthaman and called for ceasefire, then Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not refuse to accept his Pakistani counterpart Prime Minister Imran Khan’s offer for “constructive talks” between the two countries.
“If Pakistan is really sincere in their offer of constructive talks, then the first step in this direction must come from them. They have to release our pilot Abhinandan immediately and call for ceasefire in the border. If this can be achieved, then we can believe that Imran Khan’s intentions are noble. If all this takes place, then Modi should not let this opportunity pass by,” Raj said.
Raj, who issued a statement to this effect hours before Imran Khan made a “gesture of peace” in the form of announcement that Abhinandan would be released on Friday, said: “Both the nations should resolve the issues through constructive talks and foster a peaceful environment. That is what I hope and wish for”.
“A war can never be a solution to any issue. In fact, a war is damaging and takes country back on all levels. Terrorists and terrorism must be ruthlessly eradicated but for that, to wage a war or (create) a war-like situation for one’s political interest is not right,” Raj said, while taking an indirect dig at Modi and the ruling BJP for politicising the ongoing military conflict with Pakistan.
“I reiterate my stand that a war or a war-like situation is not the answer to any problems. To take advantage of such situations should not be disposition of any good government and all power bearers should keep this in mind,” the MNS chief said.