Pakistan High Commissioner Salman Bashir on Sunday denied Pakistan Army involvement in the infiltration operation in Keran Sector, and advised that the only constructive way forward for both countries was to clear out the air of doubt and misconceptions between them through talks.
Speaking on the involvement of Pakistan in the ongoing Karen infiltrations, Salman Bashir, who spoke to the media on his first visit to South India, said the reports were 'baseless' and that it would be only proper for the authorities involved to deal with it.
"Let competent authorities (military authorities) deal with it," Bashir said.
"Militancy and terrorism has affected us directly... instead of pointing finger at us, look at casualties we have suffered," he said, while defending Pakistan's stance on terror.
Commenting on the talks between Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in New York, last month, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Bashir said that it was a constructive step for both countries and an opportunity to embark on a path of friendship and peace.
"The good thing that came out of talks in New York is that both sides have resolved to better relations. I want to say that Pakistan hopes to be peaceful friends with India. We also hope that whatever problems they are, they are sorted through dialogue and talks. ...All doubts must be cleared within dialogues and talks," Bashir said.
"Both (India and Pakistan )have political determination and a vision for a peaceful South Asia, as well as maintaining friendly relations with each other," he said.
"There is a need to look at the ground realities objectively. One thing that comes forth is that confidence needs to be built. The perception and image of Pakistan in India, and vice-versa, needs to be worked on. Let us address each others concerns- that is the rational way to move forward," he said.
The operation in Keran Sector entered its 13th day today in Jammu and Kashmir.
The gunfight between the Army and the terrorists is still on. The Army is battling 30 to 40 terrorists who had infiltrated in the Keran sector.
On Friday, Army Chief General Bikram Singh assured that the terrorists will be flushed out the area soon, and said that the ongoing operation was under control.
"There is nothing like that. It was an infiltration attempt by about 30 to 40 terrorists; they attempted this infiltration at four or five places. We had information about it. They have been stopped, prevented, neutralized some of them and operations are on to flush them out," said General Singh, when asked that there are media speculations about the present situation in Keran Sector being another Kargil.
"No village has been occupied. It's an area where they have come in, we are dominating from all sides and the terrorists are holed up. It's a broken ground, it's very difficult terrain; they are stuck in that and we will take them on," he added.
