Former RAW chief AS Dulat has pitched for talks between India and Pakistan, saying there should be discussions as it will lead to the way forward.
“It is my opinion that India and Pakistan should talk. When there are talks and discussions, things will come out and will be solved…There should be no problem in holding talks,” Dulat told ANI on the sidelines of an event where his book ‘The Chief Minister and The Spy’ was released.
Dulat, who has also served in the Intelligence Bureau and has long experience of working in and on Kashmir, said it is “very necessary” to talk to Pakistan.
Asked about Pakistan’s support to cross-border terrorism, Dulat said “that’s why there should be talks”.
“If there are talks, something will come out. Things come out when there are talks, there can be something good. This relationship with Pakistan won’t end through guns and war. So, what’s the harm in talking? I’m not saying we should give or take something, but talk. What’s the harm in talking?” he asked.
“Talks lead to way forward, it always happens,” he added.
Terrorism emanating from territories under Pakistan’s control remains a core concern in bilateral relations. India has consistently stressed the need for Pakistan to take credible, irreversible and verifiable action to end cross border terrorism against India and fulfill its assurances, given to India at the highest level in January 2004 and reiterated several times, that territory under its control would not be allowed to be used for terrorism against India in any manner.
India has followed a consistent and principled policy towards Pakistan i.e.: in keeping with its “Neighbourhood First Policy”, India seeks normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free from terror, hostility and violence.
India is committed to address issues, if any, bilaterally and peacefully in keeping with the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. India has also said it will not compromise on issues related to its national security and take firm and decisive measures to deal with all attempts to undermine its security and territorial integrity.
Earlier, speaking at the launch of his new book, Dulat had said there is need to move on with Pakistan.
“The sands are running out, time is on nobody’s side. We need to move on and we need to move on with Pakistan…I will continue to say that we must move forward with Pakistan,” he had said.
Dulat, who on Wednesday answered queries on the political storm in Kashmir about some remarks in his book relating to former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, Dulat had said his book is full of praise for the National Conference leader.
“My book is full of praise for Dr Farooq (Abdullah). There is nothing against him in the book. Please read it,” Dulat had told ANI.
Dulat was also asked about the claims in his book concerning abrogation of Article 370 and his reported mention that just as the BJP had never hidden its intentions towards Kashmir concerning Article 370, “so, too, had Farooq been extremely open about his willingness to work with Delhi”.
“My only comment is that the book is an appreciation, not critique of Farooq (Abdullah),” he had said.
Opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir had slammed Farooq Abdullah over reports concerning Dulat’s book. (ANI)
