India halts dialogue process with Pakistan: Indian media
August 08, 2013
According to the India media reports, Pakistan-India talks over several issues including the controversial Sir Creek have been discontinued.
It is pertinent to mention here that Indian government alleged today that specialist troops from Pakistan's army were involved in a deadly attack on its troops in Kashmir, in its first direct accusation of Pakistani military complicity.
Defence Minister A. K. Antony also hinted at stronger military action along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Himalayan region where an ambush overnight on Monday saw five Indian soldiers killed.
"Nothing happens from Pakistan's side of the LoC without the support, assistance, facilitation and often direct involvement of the Pakistan army," he said.
Antony's strongly worded statement comes after the opposition angrily accused the minister of deliberately choosing not to blame the Pakistani army for the attack, amid attempts to revive peace talks with Pakistan.
Analysts have said the attack had complicated efforts to arrange a meeting between India's veteran Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his new Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.
"Naturally, this incident will have consequences on our behaviour on the LoC and for our relationship with Pakistan," Antony said.
"Our restraint should not be taken for granted nor the capacity of our armed forces and resolve of the government to afford the sanctity of the LoC ever be doubted."
While Indian military sources said Tuesday Pakistani troops were behind the attack, Antony would only say in a statement the same day that it was carried out by men wearing Pakistani uniforms.
Pakistan has denied any part in the incident, but India has lodged an official protest with Islamabad for what is one of the worst losses of life for the Indian army since a 2003 truce agreement.
Antony made his statement after receiving the latest briefing Thursday from Army Chief General Bikram Singh over the attack.
