'Modi, Sharif should meet in mothers' presence to resolve Indo -Pak dispute'

BAREILLY (UP): Terming India and Pakistan as brothers, noted Urdu poet Munnawwar Rana has suggested that prime ministers of both the countries should discuss the disputes in presence of their mothers for a definite resolution.

"If both the prime ministers sit and talk about the disputes in the presence of their mothers a way out can be found...when the mothers will be around some way to resolve the disputes will definitely be found", he said during an event in Bareilly on Wednesday.

Calling India and Pakistan brothers, Rana said the Prime Minister has fulfilled his duty as the elder brother by paying a visit to the neighbouring country.

"Prime minister Modi has fulfilled his duty as the elder brother by visiting Pakistan and touching the feet of Nawaz Sharif's mother... now it is the turn of Pakistan's Prime Minister to take the next step," he said.

Rana, who had recently given up his Sahitya Akademi award dramatically during a live TV debate, also reiterated his resolution that neither he and nor his son would accept any government award in future.

He was "pained to return" but after several litterateurs did the same the atmosphere in the country has improved to a large extent, Rana added.

He also said it is the responsibility of government to ensure that those who propagate intolerance should be shown the door and banned from contesting elections.