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| India to return to talks only after Pakistan clamps down on terror | | | NEW DELHI- India has said it will restart peace talks with arch-rival Pakistan, delayed in the
wake of the Mumbai blasts, only after it takes action against Islamic militants operating from its territory.
"Talks can only take place when Pakistan realises the need to take firm action," junior foreign minister
Anand Sharma told the Times of India in remarks published Sunday.
"You cannot have a situation where one side overlooks violence, does not act against those who are
talking of guns and RDX (Research Developed Explosives) and the killing of innocent people."
Asked when the next round of peace talks -- which were scheduled for July 20-21 in New Delhi but
were called off by India -- would take place, Sharma said: "There has to be some action (by Pakistan)."
"You need a proper environment," he said adding that India wanted Pakistan to dismantle what it
describes as "terrorist training camps" and Islamic militant groups.
Earlier this month, India pointed a finger at Islamabad and a Pakistan-backed Islamic rebel group for a
series of bomb blasts in commuter trains in its financial hub of Mumbai on July 11.
The blasts killed 183 people and wounded more than 800.
The cancelled meeting of senior officials was part of a peace process which began in January 2004, two
years after the rivals came to the brink of war.
India also rejected Pakistan's offer of help in probing the blasts and instead demanded it hand over Syed
Salahuddin, the chief of militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen which is fighting Indian rule in disputed
Kashmir.
The scenic Himalayan region of Kashmir -- divided between India and Pakistan but claimed in its
entirety by both -- has been the trigger for two of their three wars since 1947.
Indian and Pakistani officials are however planning to meet in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka this week
though an Indian official said the talks were not part of the peace process. |
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