Cong wants CBMs to continue

With the government making cautious attempts to defuse tension with Islamabad, Congress on Friday scaled down its criticism on the Pakistani Army’s frequent violation of ceasefire, insisting that the confidence building measures should continue between the two countries.

“We urge the government of India to take all necessary diplomatic and other actions to keep the sanctity of the line of control and continue putting pressure on Pakistan,” Party spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit told journalist here. 

The party, however, suggested the government should send a strong message to Pakistan that India was not “weak” and capable of facing “any challenge”.

“We don’t want to break the process of peace. But, at the same time, we need to send a strong message to Pakistan that we are quite strong and can face any challenge. They should not feel that we are weak in any respect, Dikshit said.

The party hoped that Pakistan government will take cognisance of India’s diplomatic and military protests to the violation of the ceasefire on the line of control and try to “resolve the problems than aggravating them”.

“I think, the government of Pakistan is not clear in its decision,” Dikshit said while commenting on the stopping of bus services by the neighbouring country.

Reminding Pakistan of the Bangladesh war, the party on Thursday had suggested Islamabad to “learn lessons from the history”. Earlier, it had warned that Pakistan should not test the patience of India.

To a question whether it would be pertinent to say that the dialogue with Pakistan route will be sufficient, Dikshit said dialogue was always the best way and the only way forward. 

“But, in case the other country does not respond adequately, there is a limit to any government’s patience. Let us leave it upon the government and the army to take their decisions,” Dikshit said adding it was Pakistan’s Army which wanted to derail the peace process “for losing their entity”.

The party said the government is “closely” watching the situation “on an hour to hour basis”.

“They (Pakistan) should stop violating the ceasefire on the line of control. A clear picture will emerge in the next 3/4 days. If the Pakistan government does not stop such violations, then government of India will have to think of taking strong action,” he said, replying to another question.

To a question on reports about a Hurriyat delegation from India recently meeting Hafiz Sayeed, alleged mastermind of 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in Pakistan, the Congress leader said it was “unfortunate” and wanted such initiatives should be stopped.