Manmohan Singh condemns attack, but will talk to Sharif

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has condemned the twin terror attacks in Jammu but asserted that the September 29 meeting with his Pakistani counterpart in New York would happen as scheduled.

While a livid BJP suggested that Sunday’s talks be called off, an unnerved Singh said, “such attacks will not succeed in derailing our efforts to find a resolution to all problems through a process of dialogue.”

However, the PM, in a veiled reference to the Pak Army, said terror “continues to receive encouragement and reinforcement from across the border”. He has reached Washington for talks with President Obama on Friday.

BJP President Rajnath Singh tweeted, “The PM is in a hurry to start dialogue with Pakistan. There should be no talks with Pakistan unless there is a conducive environment.” Party’s PM candidate Narendra Modi though was guarded in his response. “Terror attack in J&K is highly condemnable.

Condolences to families of brave army & police personnel & civilians who sacrificed their lives,” Modi tweeted. SP leader Naresh Agarwal demanded suspension of talks with Pakistan.

Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh tweeted, “...Pakistan and India both victims of terror must come together to fight them instead of blaming each other.” Party spokesperson Raj Babbar said, “Terrorists don’t want peace talks... Those who are opposing talks are, in a way, supporting their (terrorists’) line.”

Pakistan High Commission said the meeting will happen as scheduled. Ex-Indian High Commissioner to Pak G Parthasarathy said Nawaz Sharif has always given contradictory signals.