India today called off National Security Adviser (NSA) level talks with Pakistan, reported the Press Trust of India, but the government-run news agency immediately toned down its rhetoric saying the talks had become “unlikely” after recent developments.India said it has urged Pakistan against meeting Hurriyat leaders ahead of rare weekend talks between the two countries’ top security advisers in New Delhi, hiking tensions between the arch rivals. The foreign ministry said it would be inappropriate for Pakistan National Security Adviser Sartaj Aziz to hold the meeting on Sunday in New Delhi just before scheduled talks with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval. India cancelled talks with Pakistan last year between their foreign secretaries, outraged over a similar meeting that took place, a move that set back already tense relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Pakistan has said it plans to raise all important issues, including Kashmir, when Aziz meets his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on August 24. Aziz is expected to meet Hurriyat leaders shortly after he arrives in Delhi on August 23. Meeting of Mr. Sartaj Aziz with Kashmiri leaders is in continuation of the longstanding tradition of Pakistan consulting Kashmiri leadership before and after talks with India. It is understood that for Pakistan Kashmir is on the top of agenda of any engagement with India and Kashmiris being principal stakeholder cannot be sidelined. Any discussion or understanding concerning future of Kashmir directly affects Kashmiris and therefore, they have to be taken on board. As a matter of principle, there should be tripartite talks involving Kashmiris as well but it is because of India’s unrealistic approach that Kashmiris have so far not sat on the table with Pakistan and India even when their future is being discussed. Previously, India cancelled Foreign Secretary level talks between the two countries on the pretext that Pakistani High Commissioner held a meeting with APHC leaders and now again it is treading the same path to effectively sabotage the prospects of talks by National Security Advisors and their outcome, if they are held. Pakistan has been holding consultations with Kashmiri leadership in the past as well but it was not made an issue by any Indian Government but Modi Government’s approach in this regard is reflective of extremist mindset as far as Pakistan, Kashmiris and the issue of Kashmir are concerned. It is also unfortunate that India is trying to dictate its own terms for the talks, which raises questions with regard to very rationale of having talks for the sake of talks. India must be conveyed that it should create conducive atmosphere for the dialogue as it is a window of opportunity to lower tension. Otherwise, Pakistan should rethink whether or not Sartaj Aziz should go to New Delhi for talks the outcome of which is a foregone conclusion in view of extremist attitude of India.
pk.shafaqna.com
