Ahmedabad: Severely condemning the government's fresh peace initiative with Pakistan, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on October 23 said such a step would only lead to surge in terrorism.

"Instead of holding the olive branch, the government should declare a war against that country," VHP international general secretary Pravin Togadia told reporters.

"Pakistan has not once in last 23 years stopped sponsoring terrorism. Such peace proposals would only pave way for rise in Pak-sponsored terrorism. Instead, the government must declare a war against Pakistan...against the jihadi network," he said.

Describing the initiative as an "abject surrender to the terrorist country", Togadia said the peace initiatives will only help Pakistan succeed in its malafide intentions.

Referring to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee earlier extending the "hand of friendship" to Pakistan, Togadia said, "At that time, he (Vajpayee) had said that it was his last offer of peace and India would close all its doors on any peace offer till Pakistan stopped cross border terrorism. Then from where has this new initiative cropped up?

"Will they wait for an attack on the Prime Minister's residence before taking any firm step?" the firebrand leader asked referring to recent terrorist attack on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed.

"After all he (Sayeed) is a democratically elected Chief Minister of a state. What is the rationale behind such proposals when his own residence is attacked?" Togadia asked.

"The government must immediately halt such peace initiatives and talks for dialogue (with Pakistan), and prepare for a war," he stressed.

PTI