Diplomatic channels should be kept open with Pakistan: JD(U)

Patna, Aug. 18 (ANI): Supporting Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar's decision to visit Pakistan for talks on cross-border terrorism, the Janata Dal (United) on Thursday said the "diplomatic channel" should always be kept open between the two countries even if the "political channels" are closed. "We came to know that (Union Finance Minister) Arun Jaitley will not visit Pakistan to attend the SAARC FMs' meeting and the Foreign Secretary has expressed his desire to visit there. So, the diplomatic channel should always be kept open even if the political channels are closed," said JD (U) spokesperson Ajay Alok here. Criticising Pakistan's comments on Kashmir unrest, Alok said Pakistan is no one to make comments on the situation in Kashmir and the Indian Government should not only reject it, but should also 'ridicule' and 'condemn' Pakistan on international platforms. Reacting to Congress leader Salman Khurshid's statement on the Prime Minister over his Balochistan remarks in his Independence Day speech, he said, "There are many things about Salman Khurshid that we don't support; previously also, there were number of things. From the very beginning Balochistan has asked for India's support." "Some people will be in favour of the Prime Minister for choosing this topic in his Independence Day speech and other will not. I believe that we should first stabilise our position rather than interfering in other's matters," he added. On August 15, Chaudhry called in Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Gautam Bambawale and handed over a letter addressed to his Indian counterpart, inviting him to visit Pakistan for talks on Jammu and Kashmir, which he termed "the main bone of contention between India and Pakistan". However, India has already rejected Pakistan's invitation to hold talks on Jammu and Kashmir. Responding to Aziz's statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday said India would welcome a dialogue on contemporary and relevant issues in India-Pakistan relations. (ANI)