Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Friday described the recently concluded India-Pakistan Home Secretary level talks as a ``positive development’’, saying it was one of the many steps to be taken towards resolution of disputes between the two neighbouring countries.
He was replying to a question at his monthly review press conference of his Ministry about his assessment of the two-day talks held in the Capital between Home Secretary G.K. Pillai and Pakistan’s Interior Secretary Chaudhary Qamar Zaman on March 28-29.
``It is a positive step. It is one among many steps that have to be taken towards resolution of disputes between India and Pakistan," he told reporters.
Mr. Chidambaram also brushed aside apprehensions that the Indian probe team which will visit Pakistan to gather information and evidence in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case will have limited legal jurisdiction. He said that modalities for the team will be worked out taking into account existing laws.
He said that Pakistan has agreed in principle to receive an Indian commission to gather evidence and information in that country in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case.
``Modalities and procedures would have to be worked out. And when we work out the modalities and procedures, you can be rest assured, that I will be mindful of the legal provisions. Obviously I can not send a team without being mindful of legal provisions,’’ he said. He expressed the hope that modalities and procedures would be worked out quickly and the Indian team would be able to travel to Pakistan soon.
Replying to a question on easing visa regime between India and Pakistan, Mr. Chidambaram said that visa regime had already been liberalised considerably. ``In the meanwhile, the joint working group will meet to explore further ways of liberalising visa procedures. These are all positive developments consistent with the government of India's policies enunciated by the Prime Minister and we are happy to play our role in the Ministry of Home Affairs,’’ he said.
On sharing with Pakistan the progress of the Samjhauta Express blasts investigation, Mr. Chidambaram said India has exchanged with Pakistan information available up to date. The blasts in Samjhauta Express, the train that links the two countries, in February 2007 near Panipat in Haryana had left 68 people dead and several others injured. Most of the victims were from Pakistan.
