LoC pullback should be used to improve Indo-Pak ties: Natwar

While most Opposition parties have preferred to remain silent on the NDA Government’s decision of pulling back troops from the Line of ...

While most Opposition parties have preferred to remain silent on the NDA Government’s decision of pulling back troops from the Line of Control (LoC), ostensibly for want of ‘‘official input’’, senior Congress leader and head of its foreign affairs cell K. Natwar Singh today said the occasion should be utilised as a launching pad for better Indo-Pak relations.

However, the Congress leader said he is not too sure the Government would grab the chance, given its past record of letting go of such diplomatic opportunities.

As a first step, Natwar said the Government should resume the train and bus services between the two countries.

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The Congress leader at the outset debunked the Government’s stand that its talks with Pakistan depended entirely on cessation of cross-border terrorism.

The fact was that Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee’s Lahore visit took place when terrorism was at its height and Musharraf came to Agra when innocent people were being killed, he pointed out.

He added, ‘‘If it could happen then, why can’t it happen now? Certainly, we cannot close the diplomatic option. This door has to remain open. The demobilisation of troops should pave the way for further talks between India and Pakistan. It is a logical step.’’

While even the Congress’ official spokesperson has shied away from saying too much on the recent developments which are being hailed by the international community, Natwar, who is known for his radical views, chose to be blunt. He assailed the Government for having ‘‘cut a sorry figure’’ in Denmark recently in front of the European community where it failed to present its case effectively.

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Natwar said only bilateral talks can improve Indo-Pak ties. ‘‘How long can we hang on to our rigid position? We have to keep some room open; I don’t see why this should not be done,’’ he said.