Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar has sent five points for discussion to his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, as and when they meet. In reply to an invitation by Chaudhry for talks on Kashmir, Jaishankar has conveyed to him that India wants to discuss specific issues relating to Pakistan-supported cross-border terrorism and safe haven provided to terrorists, action against militants, closing down of terror camps, ending incitement to violence in Jammu & Kashmir, and vacation of illegal occupation of parts of J&K.
Apart from this, the FS has added that he would like to get an update on action taken by Pakistan on the 26/11 Mumbai terror case and Pathankot airbase attack. India is now awaiting a response from Islamabad, saying “the ball is in Pakistan’s court.”
Under pressure from the international community, Chaudhry had invited Jaishankar for talks on Kashmir. However, India has said that for it talking on Kashmir means talking about Pakistan-backed terrorism and violence in the State. Accordingly, while setting the agenda for their talks, Jaishankar has written to Chaudhry that the discussions between them should focus first on the more pressing aspects of the J&K situation.
“The FS conveyed that he accepts his counterpart’s invitation to visit Islamabad but made it clear that naturally, the discussions should focus first on the more pressing aspects of the J&K situation that include cessation of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan aimed at J&K; ending incitement to violence and terrorism from Pakistan in J&K; detaining and prosecuting internationally-recognised Pakistani terrorist leaders who have been publicly active recently in exhorting
and supporting such violence in that State; closing down of Pakistani terrorist camps where terrorists such as Bahadur Ali, recently arrested in J&K, continue to be trained. Denying safe haven, shelters and support to terrorists in Pakistan who have escaped Indian law,” MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Thursday while giving out details of the letter written by Jaishankar.
The FS further added that he looks forward to discussing with his counterpart the earliest possible vacation of Pakistan's illegal occupation of the Indian State of J&K and underlined the importance of bringing to justice all those guilty in Pakistan for the Mumbai terrorist attack of 2008 and Pathankot airbase attack. “He said that his visit should provide the opportunity to receive a briefing from Pakistan's Foreign Secretary on progress in this regard,” Swarup said.
Besides, Jaishankar rejected “Pakistan's self-serving allegations made in their communication” and reiterated “Pakistan has no locus standi in respect of J&K, which is an integral part of our nation.”
“The world is aware that Pakistan has a long history of violence and terrorism against India, as also in the broader region. The Indian State of J&K has been its particular target,” the FS said in his letter.
Swarup added, “The Government of Pakistan is aware that the framework for interactions between India and Pakistan is stipulated by the Simla Agreement of July 1972, wherein President ZA Bhutto agreed that the two countries resolve to settle their differences by peaceful means through bilateral negotiations, as also the lahore Declaration of February 1999 wherein Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan's determination to implement the Simla Agreement in letter and spirit. They are also based on the assurance given by President Musharraf in January 2004 that he will not permit any territory under Pakistan's control to be used to support terrorism in any manner.
Talking about the statement by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the situation in J&K who on Wednesday said both India and Pakistan have denied access to their parts of Kashmir, Swarup said India has been constructively engaged with OHCHR to project the correct picture by highlighting the central role of cross-border terrorism and it's glorification in the violent protests in J&K.
“We have also stressed to UNHCHR the efforts and undivided attention of all organs of the Indian State for restoring normalcy in J&K in the face of incitement and support to terrorism from across our border. We will continue to encourage the international community to uphold promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the parts of J&K under illegal occupation of Pakistan, and hold the concerned accountable for their violation,” Swarup added.