Srinagar: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on April 19 said it was entirely up to
Pakistan to respond positively to the hand of friendship extended by him and see
that cross-border terrorism and infiltration stops for a meaningful dialogue to
resume.
"There should be a new beginning. It depends on Pakistan. What reaction and what
type response Pakistan gives to end cross-border infiltration and terrorism. That is
when a dialogue can take place.
"We are willing to discuss all issues including Jammu and Kashmir. But the route of
cross-border terrorism cannot go on. There has been no benefit from it and there
cannot any benefit in future. I hope there be an appropriate response from across
the border," Vajpayee told a press conference before leaving for Delhi at the end of
a two-day visit to the valley.
Referring to the absence of any remarks on the Nadimarg massacre of Kashmiri Pandits
in his speeches in the two days, Vajpayee said it was not because he did not
remember it, but "because I want a new beginning to be made".
He said similarly he had referred to the 1999 Kargil conflict, but did not go into
details of who were behind it though a Prime Minister of Pakistan had to go on the
issue.
The Prime Minister said there was a change in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and
the international situation has also changed. "What happened in Iraq is a challenge
to us, but I do not want to go beyond that."
He said, "Kashmir is at a turning point after successful Assembly election in which
people defied threats and guns.
"There is a need for a new beginning. That is why I extended my hand of friendship
to Pakistan and Pakistan has also to do something," he said, adding his hand of
friendship offer was a "big thing".
Recounting his peace initiatives through the Lahore bus journey and Agra Summit,
Vajpayee, however, said that no proper dialogue with Pakistan could take place till
cross-border terrorism stopped.
"Infiltration is going on. Many armed militants are waiting across the border to
cross over to this side. No meaningful dialogue could be held as long as Pakistan
did not stop these," he said.
Referring to his statement on April 18, Vajpayee said India wanted friendly
relations with Pakistan, but Islamabad should also accept some responsibility if
relations between the two countries were to improve.
"As far as India is concerned, we want to move on the path of friendship. Pakistan
has welcomed my statement of April 18, but what Pakistan wants to do the future will
tell," the Prime Minister said.
He said it was important the India and Pakistan should resolve their differences
through dialogue. "It may take time. The Jammu and Kashmir issue has been hanging
fire for the last 50 years. That is why there is no other way to resolve difference
but through dialogue."
However, he made it clear that dialogue could not be a one-sided affair.
Referring to his drive back to Srinagar airport from the city, Vajpayee said he
longed for the day when he would be able to walk through the streets of Srinagar
without any security. "Such a day should come. We will try for that," Vajpayee said.
To a question whether the present initiative of holding talks with the other groups
included Hurriyat, the Prime Minister said, "The offer is for everyone and all who
want to come for dialogue are welcome."
Stating that Pakistan should understand that the cross-border infiltration should
end, Vajpayee said the new element in this offer was that he was extending the hand
of friendship even after Kargil and Lahore. "The snow is melting and it should melt
on all issues," he said.
He also defended exclusion of any reference to Nadimarg incident saying he did not
wish to whip up any tension as recollecting that incident may spur a fresh wave of
anger.
PTI
