BJP deprecates PM for agreeing to meet Sharif

BJP today criticised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for agreeing to meet his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in New York, saying he has forgotten his own resolve that talks and terror cannot go together.

BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said, "This (meeting) will only encourage Pakistan to believe that in whatever way they hit, India will always bend and talk to them." "Terrorism and talks cannot go together," said Sinha while reminded Singh of his statements post 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

"I am surprised that he is going to talk to Nawaz Sharif in New York," the former External Affairs Minister said, adding, "He seems to be forgetting his own resolve." Singh has confirmed that he would be meeting Sharif during his visit to the US and is expected to meet him New York on September 29.

"I also look forward to bilateral meetings with the leaders of some of our neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan," Singh said.

The issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistan is expected to figure prominently in the meeting between Singh and Sharif.

India has maintained that terrorism emanating from Pakistan and territories held under its control are a matter of serious concern to it.