New Delhi, July 2 (IANS). Bharatiya Janata Party leaders reacted sharply to more than 100 prominent citizens of India and Pakistan writing letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appealing for resumption of dialogue and restoration of normal relations between the two countries.
BJP leaders say that India has never been against peace talks, but talks are possible only if Pakistan completely stops cross-border terrorism.
BJP Rajya Sabha member Dinesh Sharma said, “When did India say that it does not want peace? On one hand, Pakistan talks about peace and on the other hand, it promotes infiltration, cross-border firing and terrorist activities. India has never refused talks. India has only said that meaningful talks can take place only when Pakistan stops sponsoring terrorism.”
He said, “Those who have made this appeal should go to Pakistan and give the same message there. India has never said that it does not want good relations with any of its neighboring countries. Our only condition is that cross-border terrorism and infiltration should stop. Only then India is always ready to maintain good relations.”
Meanwhile, BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash said, “The government is sensitive and the Ministry of External Affairs keeps a constant eye on all issues. People have every right to express their opinion, but the government moves ahead without any compromise with the honour, dignity and sovereignty of the country.”
On the other hand, Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi raised questions on the people who wrote the letter. He said, “Who are these 117 people who have written this letter? Look about them. These include Farooq Abdullah, RJD leaders and people who have India-Pakistan thinking on the issue of Kashmir or speak in favor of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. In a way, these people are raising the flag of Pakistan.”
Sanjay Saraogi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Defense Minister have already made it clear that ‘Operation Sindoor’ has not ended, but has only been postponed for the time being.
He said, “In view of the way Pakistan is continuously promoting terrorist activities, India will have to move forward with full caution.”
BJP leader Narayan Dutt Tripathi said, “People have their own opinions and means. Many such initiatives have already been taken in India. You must have seen that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had also taken initiative with Pakistan and he had visited Pakistan several times. He had also started a bus service. Talking to Pakistan is not a bad thing. This should be done. But who will believe that they will stick to their word? Who can trust? Such talks have taken place many times before. Is.”
Bihar government minister Dilip Jaiswal said, India is called the messenger of peace. It is because of our choice to be the messenger of peace and peace that we dream of a Vishwa Guru. The whole world needs to understand that the world can survive only through peace, not through war. If there is talk of any kind of peace, India will be at the forefront in it. Our aim is also to give the message of peace and harmony to the entire world.
More than 100 prominent citizens of India and Pakistan wrote letters to the Prime Ministers of both the countries appealing for resumption of mutual dialogue and normalization of relations. Now the rhetoric regarding this appeal has intensified in the country’s politics.
–IANS
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