No role for any third party in Indo-Pak talks: BJP

JAMMU: BJP today said there was no role for any third party, including Hurriyat Conference, in talks between India and Pakistan as per the Simla agreement.

"There is no room for any third party interference or consultation for holding talks between India and Pakistan," state BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi told reporters here.

"Dialogue can take place only between the two countries as per the Shimla agreement and any involvement of a person or an organization within or outside India is not acceptable... there is no role for Hurriyat Conference or any other separatist body in any such talks," Sethi said.

Opposition National Conference had yesterday said Hurriyat Conference has shunned armed violence and opposes it and is prepared for a sustained, productive dialogue. "This should be enough for New Delhi to engage with them and include them in their talks with Pakistan - be it on issues directly related to Kashmir or indirectly related to Kashmir."

Sethi said the talks can take place between the two countries to resolve the border dispute and on ceasefire violations and Pakistan's support to terrorists and separatists in India.

Pakistan's attempts to involve Hurriyat will only give legitimacy and importance to it, which is unacceptable, Sethi said.