JAMMU: Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lahore as welcome step, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh today said only talks can resolve outstanding issues between two nations and further strengthen ties.
“Earlier then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Lahore and today on his birthday, Mr Modi’s Lahore visit is a welcome step,” Dr Singh told reporters at the sidelines of a function here this evening.
He said it is a good gesture on part of Mr Modi beacuse as a neighbour we want peace and friendly ties between two.
“Prime Minister’s visit will surely improve relations between two countries and Pakistan must respond positively too,” Dr Singh said. He said the Prime Minister during his oath ceremony invited everybody including Mr Nawaz Sharif and both held discussions on various issues.
“But in the recent past, Pakistan disrupted peace on J&K borders but they (Pakistan) must understand that both have to sit together hold dialogue to sort out outstanding issues,” said Dr Singh.
With context to J&K, he said, “since 1947, people of Jammu and Kashmir, are the worst victims of disturbed Indo-Pak relations either it is terrorism or proxy war.”
Pakistan despite being a perpetuator of terrorism, is itself falling prey to this demon. On ISI-Pak Army, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “it will be a key factor as Pakistan’s foreign policy is handled by its Army and elements like terrorits, ISI and even Pakistani Army will never accept good relations between the two countries.”
People of Pakistan wants to live in harmony and now it upto their political leadership what do they want but they have to understand certain things and take a stand, he added.
“Common man is suffering. There are elements still living in the medieval age but it is 21st century, people want change,” Dr Singh said adding that definitely ISI, Pak Army will create hurdles but Pakistan’s political leadership have to take a stand.
“Entire World has eyes on India-Pakistan relations and both of them must live in a healthy and cordial atmosphere,” said Dr Singh. (Agencies)