New Delhi: Kashmir Committee chief Ram Jethmalani on February 24 said there could not
be a better "opportune time" for India than now to talk to Pakistan on the Kashmir
issue because of the changed international scenario.
"A more auspicious moment than now will not arise because of the changed
international scenario. Never in the history of the dispute had there been a more
favourable situation to hold talks," he told reporters.
Rebutting claims by Committee convenor Ashok Bhan that the Committee would suspend
its work in view of appointment of N N Vohra as the Centre's interlocutor for talks
with elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, the former Law Minister said, "We
welcome Vohra's appointment howsoever belated it is.
"But we will continue to hold talks with separatist leaders as our goal is to secure
lasting, honourable and peaceful solution to the Kashmir problem," he added.
Terming government's reply on the floor of Parliament on Kashmir as "evasive",
Jethmalani stressed the need for a dialogue with Pakistan asking "is the government
in a position to stop cross-border infiltration without Pakistan's
cooperation?
"If Pakistan alone can stop it, then a dialogue with Pakistan's friends within Jammu
and Kashmir are absolutely imperative," he said adding, "this is a reality which no
negotiator can afford to ignore."
He said at present it was the time for India to show statesmanship and not arrogance.
PTI
