Dialogue hinges on Pak. ending terrorism: Panja

NEW DELHI, DEC. 13. The Government today reiterated its commitment to resolve all outstanding issues with Pakistan through dialogue on the basis of the Shimla agreement and the Lahore declaration but emphasised that Islamabad must first stop cross-border terrorism and end anti-India propaganda.

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Ajit Panja, said it was necessary for the resumption of dialogue that Pakistan should abandon sponsoring cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of India and also end its hostile propaganda and calls for jehad against India.

He said many Islamic countries had in their bilateral interaction with India shown sensitivity to New Delhi's position on Kashmir and generally subscribed to the view that it needed to be resolved through bilateral discussions. However, on Pakistan's instigation the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) routinely adopted resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. India had rejected all such resolutions saying the OIC had no locus standi on India's internal matters. India and China, which recently exchanged maps of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the middle sector, will start comparing the two maps to identify differences in the respective perceptions of the LAC. In reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Panja said the maps were exchanged at the recently held meeting of the India-China expert group.

The Minister while replying to another question, said Pakistan continued to acquire nuclear-related and dual use equipment and materials from various sources. He said the Indian Government has consistently highlighted the adverse effect on India's security from continuing nuclear and missile proliferations in Pakistan despite the existence of various export control regimes and declarations of restraint by supplier countries.

N-plant: The Government is considering roping in the private sector for setting up atomic energy plants in the country, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

The process of reviewing the Atomic Energy Act for this purpose is underway and a Bill would be introduced after completion of this process, the Minister of State for Atomic Energy, Ms. Vasundhara Raje, said in reply to a written question.

- PTI, UNI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : What happened to my document, asks Chandra Shekhar
Next     : Framing of charges will lead to stir: Laxman