New Delhi/Srinagar: Despite the “latest provocation” by Pakistan, whose high commissioner has invited Hurriyat leaders for a meeting with Pakistan’s national security adviser Sartaj Aziz in New Delhi on August 23, India is going ahead with plans to hold the NSA-level talks with Mr Aziz on August 23. However, it will “respond appropriately” in the coming days, given the spate of Pakistani provocations so far.
Significantly, the Indian government is refraining from openly declaring that the NSA-level talks will be held come what may as it believes that “all options are on the table”. India is “closely monitoring” the situation to see what are the “red lines” that Pakistan may cross. Pakistan has also raised the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council again.
Upping the ante on another front before the NSA talks, Pakistan has also again raised the Kashmir issue at the UN Security Council, seeking mediation from the world body and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to resolve the issue.
In addition, Pakistan again summoned India’s deputy high commissioner in Islamabad to lodge a protest, alleging that ceasefire violations by Indian troops had led to the deaths of two more Pakistani civilians, even as ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops continued.
High commissioner Abdul Basit invited separatist leaders, including Hurriyat hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani and other leaders for a reception being hosted by him for Mr Aziz at Pakistan House, in New Delhi’s Tilak Marg in the evening on August 23.
