This Article is From Aug 22, 2015

No Point Holding Talks With Pak Without 'Tangible Deliverables': Congress

No Point Holding Talks With Pak Without 'Tangible Deliverables': Congress

Mr Sharma said that India should have seen through the Pakistani designs and wondered as to why New Delhi announced the dates of talks in a one way gesture, without Islamabad confirming it.

New Delhi: Alleging lack of sincerity on part of Pakistan, Congress today said there is "no purpose" of going ahead with the talks between two countries' National Security Advisors unless there are tangible deliverables.

"We would advise the government...unless there are firm assurances of tangible deliverables and outcome, there is no purpose" in going ahead with the talks, senior party spokesperson Anand Sharma told reporters.

With Pakistan shifting focus from terror to Kashmir through Hurriyat Conference, Sharma charged Pakistan with using the build up to NSA level talks for propaganda purposes against India's interests.

Noting that "extraneous" issues are being used to throw spanner in the process of talks, he said that the exercise is being exploited by those who influence border issues in Pakistan against India.

He warned the government against giving "a larger than life profile to Hurriyat", which he insisted has no 'locus standi' or the right to stand appear and be heard before a court.

"It (Hurriyat) does not represent people of Jammu and Kashmir and is unrepresentative and unrepresentable," he said.

Mr Sharma said that India should have seen through the Pakistani designs and wondered as to why New Delhi announced the dates of talks in a one way gesture, without Islamabad confirming it.

"We are concerned and we are definitely saddened and embarrassed by these developments.... We request the Government that till the time you are fully satisfied with what will be the outcome of talks, till then you leave this process," he said.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, he said diplomacy and statecraft are delicate issues. "This government lacks both in dealing with Pakistan," Mr Sharma said.
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