Terrorism and talks can't go together: BJP on Indo-Pakistan PMs' meet in US

With Prime Minister Manmohan Singh confirming that he would be meeting Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during his visit to the United States, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yashwant Sinha objected to the proposed meeting on Wednesday, saying terrorism and talks cannot go together.

“We must tell them (Pakistan) through diplomatic channels to stop terrorism, only then, will we (India) engage in talks with them,” Sinha said.

“Looking at recent incidents at the Line of Control, it isn't right time to indulge in summit-level talks,” he added.

Singh, in his departure statement released before embarking on a five-day visit to the United States, said he looks forward to bilateral meetings with leaders of some neighbouring countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

"During my visit to New York, I also look forward to bilateral meetings with the leaders of some of our neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan," he said.

Tension has been running high along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch District since August 6 when five Indian soldiers were ambushed and killed by Pakistan’s Specialist Forces.

After that incident and a series of ceasefire violations at the LoC, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had urged the Prime Minister not to hold talks with Sharif unless Pakistan demonstrated some commitment to ending attacks in India.