Dialogue with Pak would serve little purpose, says Advani

When asked about the continuation of the Lahore bus service, Advani said that the matter, besides the issue of the Samjhauta Express, was under the government’s consideration, though a final decision was yet to be taken.

Though Advani did not explicitly say that Sikh jathas would not be sent to Pakistan, he hinted at it when he said, "considering the present state of affairs, it would not be proper to send such jathas."

Advani said that a congenial atmosphere was required for continuing talks with Pakistan for which India was ready, but the onus of creating such a conducive atmosphere now rested with Pakistan, for which it would have to stop cross-border terrorism.

The Home Minister said that the escalation of trans-border terrorism, through the recent killing of innocent Sikhs in Kashmir during the visit of US President Bill Clinton, had proved counter-productive, as the focus had shifted from the Kashmir issue to the scourge of trans-border terrorism. He added that the US had endorsed India’s stand on trans-border terrorism.

Regarding talks with militants in Kashmir, Advani said that the government was open for such talks as had been conducted in Nagaland, provided the militants first laid down their arms.

The Home Minister added that the recent release of some Hurriyat leaders was a step towards creating a congenial atmosphere for talks. "The release of three top Hurriyat leaders was not a casual act, but a well thought out process which had been set in motion in the past several months to initiate peace in Kashmir," he said, adding that the Centre had not yet taken any decision on holding talks with militants in J-K.

Advani refused to comment on whether his Cabinet colleague Murli Manohar Joshi and he himself should resign as both of them were chargesheeted in the Babri Masjid demolition case. In his capacity as Home Minister, Advani said, he would not like to comment on the demand.

He also said that he would not like to comment on the NDA demand for resignation of Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, in view of her being chargesheeted in the disproportionate assets case.

Advani called upon various political parties for seriously considering the issue of election reforms, on which the Election Commission had also convened a meeting on April 30. He also urged consideration of the idea of indirect polls to the Rajya Sabha.