Islamabad's overtures to Hurriyat leaders even after a stark warning from South Block to either choose talks with India or with the separatist leaders have raised the hackles and prompted India to call off the meeting of foreign secretaries of both countries that was scheduled for August 25. Pakistan's defence that meetings with Kashmiri leaders before talks is a long-standing practice is obviously the last straw. By choosing to pull the rug from under India's feet Pakistan's sincerity not only stands exposed but amounts to a deliberate provocation and blatant interference in India's internal affairs. Pakistan's recent ceasefire violations and unprovoked shelling on the borders have also left a bitter taste in the mouth. With Islamabad not keen to mend its ways, it is time that New Delhi stopped offering the olive branch.
N J Ravi Chander Bangalore
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