The government has informed the family of Kargil martyr Captain Saurabh Kalia that it would not be “desirable” to take up his case at the international level as India was committed to resolving its differences with Pakistan only through bilateral negotiations.
“Defence Minister A.K. Antony has said the government cannot deal with Capt. Kalia’s case under the Geneva Conventions. Raising the case on an international forum would not be desirable,” Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar said in a release. The Minister had told him in a letter that, “India is committed to settling differences with Pakistan only through bilateral negotiations.”
Mr. Chandrasekhar had written a letter two years ago to seek justice for Capt. Kalia and five jawans of the 4 Jat Regiment, who were tortured and killed in captivity by Pakistan soldiers.
The release quoted the father of the martyr, N.K. Kalia, as having responded to Mr. Antony’s letter, saying, “It is unfortunate and sad that the government has done practically nothing to pursue the case. Had the case been taken up appropriately, 14 years ago, Pakistan would not have dared to continue beheading our soldiers and committing such heinous crimes.”
Reacting to Mr. Antony’s statement, the BJP alleged that the UPA government had not taken up this and other serious issues in a strong manner with Pakistan. “It is a shocking reality. You have taken the example of Capt. Kalia but on many issues, which are as grave as this, we have repeatedly found the government not taking them up seriously at the ministry level,” party spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said adding, “The sovereign authority with which you may persuade a neighbouring state about issues that are very critical to your national honour are being neglected.”
