Thursday, March 17 2005 12:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Mar 17, 2005) asserted in the Rajya Sabha that the special entry-permit system for the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus, to be flagged off on April 7, will in no way compromise India's position on Jammu and Kashmir.

"This in no way poses any danger to our security," Prime Minister said as vociferous Opposition members voiced apprehensions over replacing the system of passport and visa.

This, they said, will have no check on antecedents of people from Pakistan.

Opposition leader Jaswant Singh remarked out of 35 people (who were issued visas for the India-Pakistan match) some have overstayed.

Chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat announced that a special discussion would take place on the subject and moved over to the next question.

Despite the ruling, the House witnessed noisy scenes forcing adjournment for 35 minutes.

On differences on replacing of passport and visa system, the Prime Minister said, "We came to the conclusion that we are essentially dealing with a human problem. The problem of divided families."

"I am satisfied that the particular document (special entry permit) that is being used for this purpose does not in any way compromise our rights and obligations with regard to the State of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Earlier, former External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha wanted to know the designated authority in Pakistan that will deal with the permit system.

"I am amazed and disappointed," he said.

To this, External Affair Minister Natwar Singh retorted, "Are we suppose to answer which will be the Pakistan authority? ... I am also amazed and disappointed."

Sinha said that the decision to replace passport and visa could strengthen the claim and contention of Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir was a disputed territory.

Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamad said that there was no difference between the special entry permit and the passport and visa system.

Jaswant Singh asked what additional political diplomatic advantage accrues to India as a result of doing away with the passport and visa system.

As a number of Opposition members wanted to speak on the issue, the Chairman ended the question and said a discussion on the subject could be held later.

"I can assure you that the agencies of the Government of India, which are concerned about security of the country were consulted and the mechanism in no way poses any danger to our country's security."