Indian PM: Talks With Hizbul at "Sensitive Stage"

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee Tuesday said that talks with Hizbul Mujahideen have reached a "sensitive stage" and there is need to exercise caution so that the peace process in India-controlled Kashmir is not affected.

Addressing the BJP Parliamentary Party here, he said some militant organisations were not in favor of talks but there were others who came forward and that was why the government has agreed to hold talks.

Vajpayee asked partymen not to go by reports appearing in a section of the media regarding the talks with Hizbul and said "We want to ensure that peace is restored in Jammu and Kashmir."

Meanwhile, Home Minister L.K. Advani accused Pakistan of attempting to derail the peace process and said that the killing of Amarnath pilgrims was part of this design by Islamabad.

He said India's image abroad has been enhanced immensely on the Kashmir issue and it was appreciated that the country was "pursuing the right path."

Advani also noted that Pakistan and other militant groups have expected that India would not come forward for talks with Hizbul Mujahideen.

People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/