In yet another attempt to provoke India ahead of the two-day foreign secretary level talks between the two countries, Pakistan’s foreign secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani on Tuesday met Kashmiri separatist leaders here on his arrival. India, for its part, has called on Pakistan to do more on the issue of terrorism that originates from its territory even as it asserted that the menace has not been allowed to come in the way of talks between the two nations.
Even as Mr Jilani declared that he has been mandated by his leadership to take the peace process forward and was looking forward to a constructive dialogue with his counterpart Ranjan Mathai, his meeting with separatists has not gone down well with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
On his arrival he said, “Let me tell you that I have brought a message of goodwill, peace and prosperity from the people of Pakistan for the people of India and the leadership of India. I am looking forward to a very constructive dialogue with my counterpart Ranjan Mathai.” He further said, “During our talks, we will discuss peace and security, Jammu and Kashmir and promotion of friendly exchanges.”
India’s external affairs minister S.M. Krishna on his way back from Tajikistan said, “Pakistan has to do more on the issue of terrorism. But the issue of progress on terrorism has not held the dialogue process to ransom.” He further said, “The acrimony of old times is no longer there.”
During the course of the day, Mr Jilani met separatist leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Yasin Malik separately. Pakist-an’s new high commissioner-designate Salman Bashir was also be present at the meetings. Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz said, “It’s unfortunate that no headway is being made vis-a-vis Kashmir. Nothing has moved despite several rounds of Indo-Pak talks.”