Congress cautions Govt., calls for change in policy towards Pak

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), July 19 (ANI): In the wake of Pakistan's call to observe 'black day' on July 20 over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani, the Congress on Tuesday threw light on Islamabad's allegations post the terrorist attack on the Pathankot airbase and advised the BJP-led NDA government to change its foreign policy in dealing with the Asian neighbour. Congress leader P.L. Punia asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recapitulate his assertions during campaigning for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls as to what kind of attitude India should keep towards Pakistan. "The Pakistan team which came here, on returning back to Pakistan said India didn't give them any evidences and accused India of carrying out the attack. It seems we are bowing down in front of Pakistan and they are giving their replies with terrorism and by observing 'black day'. So, there is need to bring change in our policies with Pakistan," Punia told ANI. Punia alleged that Pakistan is a hub of terrorism, adding the entire world is aware about it. "Pakistan itself has suffered for it. It has faced terror activities as well. Regular firing and bomb blasts take place there. In spite of the deaths of so many innocent lives, Pakistan is not budging from carrying out terrorist activities," Punia said. "Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Lahore to greet Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on his birthday, the reply we get is the attack on Pathankot airbase. Their team is being called here, which includes ISI and the army. When the time came for the NIA team to visit Pakistan then Pakistan refused," he added. Meanwhile, the curfew imposed in the valley in wake of the protest continued for the eleventh consecutive day today. The incidents of violence continue to crop up despite the Centre and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urging the people to maintain calm and cooperate with the state government to restore peace in the valley. Curfew and restrictions continue across Kashmir. Two civilians were killed in retaliatory firing last evening after locals clashed with armed forced in Qazigund area of South Kashmir. With this, the death toll of civilians has reached around 40. (ANI)