Indo-Pak talks: "Separatists' opinion in a bi-lateral is not welcome"

New Delhi, Aug 20: The Kashmir issue will be discussed between India and Pakistan. The role of separatists or their opinion of views is not under consideration, India will tell Pakistan when the two National Security Advisors meet on August 23 and 24th.

Pakistan's NSA Sartaj Aziz and the separatists will meet ahead of the NSA level talks. While India is not happy with this development, it would tell Pakistan in clear terms that the opinion put-forth by the separatists will not matter and talks on Kashmir will be only between India and Pakistan.

Role of separatists not welcome

When India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval meets, Aziz, he will make it clear that the talks need to be carried forward between the two countries. As agreed upon by Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan at Ufa, the talks should aim at creating a condusive environment and resolving issues.

Prime on the ageda of the talks is terrorism and the Kashmir issue too. However the contentious issues regarding Kashmir will be discussed directly between India and Pakistan and the role of the separatists is not welcome and their opinion will not be considered, Doval would tell Aziz.

This is a bi-lateral

Doval would also tell Aziz that considering this is a bi-lateral, issues need to be discussed only between the two countries. Involving separatists will not help solve anything. India has a host of issues that would be discussed with Pakistan.

It would tell Pakistan in clear terms that the role of the non-state actors who have been instrumental in escalating tensions between the two countries must stop. The pace of the 26/11 trial is also up for discussion.

The Home Ministry met with officers involved in the 26/11 probe and sought details which would be part of the meeting of the NSA's sources informed OneIndia.

Doval would also tell Aziz, the onus now lies with Pakistan to carry forward the talks in a proper manner or not. Keep up the spirit of a bi-lateral and do not involve others in it, India would also Pakistan during the talks.

OneIndia News