PM asks Pakistan to reciprocate India's efforts for friendship

JAIPUR: Asserting that the recent beheading of the Indian soldier along LoC has cast a "negative impact" on bilateral ties, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked Pakistan to reciprocate India's efforts for friendship with it.

"We take a consistent review of our ties with Pakistan. The incident has cast a negative impact on our ties. We will take steps with care and due consideration," he said addressing a meeting of AICC here.

"We want friendship with Pakistan. They should also make efforts in this regard. It is not possible only with our efforts," the Prime Minister said.

His remarks were greeted with applause from the gathering of delegates at AICC which was presided by party chief Sonia Gandhi with Vice President Rahul Gandhi on her side.

Lance Naik Hemraj was beheaded by Pakistani soldiers in a cross-Line of Control (LoC) attack in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir on January 8.