India made it clear to Pakistan on Friday that resolution of the Kashmir issue cannot take place under the “shadow of the gun” as the two countries concluded “satisfactory” talks which resulted in agreement on various confidence-building measures.
Two days of talks between foreign secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistani counterpart Salman Bashir ended here on a positive note paving the way for discussions between the foreign ministers of the two countries in New Delhi next month.
India pressed for “satisfactory closure” of the trial in Pakistan of the Mumbai terror attack accused, saying it would help in normalisation of relations. Pakistan wanted the terrorism issue to be addressed in a “collaborative” manner.
At a joint press conference at the Pakistan foreign office, Ms Rao and Mr Bashir struck a positive tone, describing their discussions as “very constructive and purposeful”. Various nuclear and conventional CBMs were discussed during the talks and it was agreed to convene separate expert-level meetings on these subjects to strengthen the existing arrangements and consider additional measures later this year.
Both sides agreed to convene a meeting of the working group on cross-LoC CBMs to recommend measures for strengthening and streamlining the existing trade and travel arrangements across the LoC and propose modalities for introducing additional cross-LoC CBMs. The group will meet next month.
The Indian foreign secretary made a pointed reference to the need to do away with the “shadow of the gun and extremist violence” while dealing with the “complex issue” of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ms Rao said: “I think we have to make peace and reconciliation step by step... We must do away with the shadow of the gun and extremist violence because it is only in an atmosphere free of terror and violence that we can discuss resolution of such a complex issue.”
She also said the “unleashing of violence” should end as “military conflict” had no space in the 21st century. It should be replaced by a “vocabulary of peace” for resolution of issues in an atmosphere “free from terror and violence”.
Mr Bashir said the two sides made their “well-known” positions on the Kashmir issue, nonetheless they agreed to continue discussions to find a common ground. It did not mean that anybody has changed the position, he said.
“We have tried to move forward,” he added.
The joint statement said the foreign secretaries exchanged views on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to continue discussions in a “purposeful and forward-looking manner with the view to finding a peaceful solution by narrowing divergences and building convergences”.
Referring to the cross-LoC CBMs, Mr Bashir said these were aimed at creating “more comfort and relief” to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Replying to a question on whether India had raised the
issue of the 26/11 probe and trial in Pakistan, Ms Rao said “obviously the issue is of critical importance (to India)”. She said the issue had been discussed at the home secretary-level meetings and she had followed it up.
Mr Bashir also said Pakistan understands concerns in India on the Mumbai attack issue, but added that terrorism in a generic sense posed a threat to both countries. “It needs to be eliminated in a collaborative approach,” he said.
To a question by a Pakistani journalist on the Samjhauta Express blast case, Ms Rao said India had promised to “share the outcome” once the investigations are over.
The joint statement said the two countries also discussed measures to promote cooperation in various fields, including facilitating visits to religious shrines, media exchanges, holding of sports tournaments and cessation of hostile propaganda against each other.
Ms Rao said the two sides discussed all aspects of cross-LoC CBMs, including the number of trading days and points, banking facilities and more transport links.
The two countries also agreed on the need for promoting friendly exchanges. They noted with satisfaction the progress made towards finalisation of the visa agreement which will help liberalise the visa regime and facilitate people-to-people, business-to-business and sports contacts.
The joint statement said the foreign secretaries will meet again in New Delhi on a date to be decided through diplomatic channels to prepare for the meeting of the foreign ministers. The foreign secretaries also agreed that the people of the two countries were at the heart of the relationship, and that humanitarian issues should be accorded priority and treated with sensitivity.