India appears to have diluted its stand on 26/11 : Advani

NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of the ongoing talks with Pakistan, BJP today said India appears to have diluted its earlier demand that the neighbouring country take "speedy and credible" action against 26/11 culprits and instead reconciled to "satisfactory closure" of the case.

Speaking at a party rally here, senior BJP leader L K Advani alleged that Pakistan has not taken "a single credible step" to show that it is serious about acting against the masterminds and perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai carnage.

He maintained that all available evidence shows that elements within the Pakistani ruling establishment were involved in planning and executing these terrorist attacks.

"Now, suddenly, the Indian government has changed its stance for the next round of foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries. Rather than remaining firm in its demand for a speedy and credible trial in the Mumbai attacks, all that the government wants from Pakistan is 'satisfactory closure' of the case," Advani said.

He sought to know how the UPA government could talk about "satisfactory closure" now when Pakistan has not shown any seriousness even in "satisfactory beginning" of the investigation and trial.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and her Pakistan counterpart Salman Bashir are holding bilateral talks in Islamabad on a host of issues.

Advani charged that Congress has always followed a soft policy towards Pakistan.

"Obviously, the Congress party's ignoble tradition of pusillanimity in dealing with Pakistan, that began with Kashmir in the early years of independence, has continued even today," he said.