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Pakistan must respond to PM's call, says Advani

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD Nov. 2. The Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, today renewed his plea to Pakistan to respond to the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's call for resumption of dialogue by strengthening people-to-people contacts.

Mr. Advani was speaking to reporters after reviewing the passing-out parade of IPS probationers at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy here.

Mr. Advani drew a clear line between the need for peace talks and New Delhi's demand that Pakistan hand over the underworld don, Dawood Ibrahim, and 20 others found guilty of terrorist activities in this country. Pakistan must do this now that the United States had declared Dawood an international terrorist carrying out terrorist activities in India in association with the Al-Qaeda. It was also high time that Pakistan handed over the 20 criminals named by the Indian Government and Interpol. "Otherwise, let the law take its own course," Mr. Advani said.

Expressing disappointment at Pakistan's lack of response, he said the proposals had been made in the interests of the people of both countries. Mr. Vajpayee had made it clear that India was ready for discussions on all issues, including Kashmir. Not only had Pakistan failed to respond it also made no attempts to check cross-border terrorism. There should be some evidence of sincerity on the part of Pakistan in wanting to stop cross-border terrorism, Mr. Advani said.

"But, I am sorry to say it is not forthcoming. Killing of innocents and infiltration is going on unabated."

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