Wednesday, Aug 11, 2004
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India & World
By B. Muralidhar Reddy
ISLAMABAD, AUG. 10. 
TOWARDS BETTER TIES: Pakistan's Interior Secretary Tariq Mahmud (far left) and his team during talks on terrorism and drug-trafficking with the Indian delegation, led by Dhirendera Singh (second from left in front row) in Islamabad on Tuesday. — AP
India today conveyed its concerns to Pakistan about continued terrorist infrastructure in the country and infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC) as both sides got down to candid exchange of views on one of the most sensitive subjects that has strained relations between the two sides. On the opening day of the two-day talks on anti-terrorism and drugs Pakistani side got a comprehensive briefing from India on its concern related to terrorism infrastructure and infiltration. In its response the Pakistani delegation detailed steps taken to ensure that soil under its control was not used against any country by anyone or group in the name of any cause.
Frank exchange
Both sides were extremely careful to ensure that the serious differences on the issue of terrorism do not adversely affect the ongoing composite dialogue process. A matter of fact brief statement by Pakistan Foreign Office said the exchanges were "frank and candid" and both sides shared their perceptions. Indications are a joint statement is likely to be issued tomorrow at the end of the talks affirming commitment of both the countries to work towards a joint strategy for resolution of irritants. According to sources, the Indian side quoted from different quarters about continued existence of terrorist infrastructure targeted at India despite the categorical assurance given by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to dismantle it in the wake of December 13, 2001 Parliament attack and the consequent deteriorations in ties between the two countries. The delegation apprised Pakistan counterparts of the activities of militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country.
Sheltering of `fugitives'
The issue of alleged sheltering by Pakistan of fugitives wanted in India in connection with several cases was also raised by the Indian delegation led by Home Secretary Dhirendra Singh. In 2002, the Vajpayee Government had handed over a list of 20 fugitives allegedly sheltered by Pakistan. The Pakistani side led by Interior Secretary Tariq Mehmood stuck to the position that Pakistan was itself a victim of terrorism and had been engaged in a battle with various extremist groups on the domestic front. The delegation apparently maintained that the resolution of Kashmir would help Islamabad in dealing with Kashmir-centric jehadi groups with greater vigour. On the list of wanted, the Pakistan reiterated its position that it was not sheltering any fugitive. The two-day talks that began are part of the composite dialogue for resolution of all issues between India and Pakistan. From the Indian point of view the dialogue on terrorism is of high importance and may be compared to the priority that Pakistan attaches to talks for the resolution on Kashmir.
Pakistan denies charge
Pakistan vehemently denies Indian charges and maintains that it has done all it could to rein in militants operating on its soil in the name of Kashmir. Since New Delhi decided to explore ways and means to resolve all differences with Islamabad in April 2003, India has stopped publicly harping on theme of infiltration and terrorism infrastructure. At the talks, the two countries discussed a coordinated mechanism to prevent the clandestine production of opium and its exports.
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