Why India won't allow Pakistan's 'Chai Pe Charcha' with Hurriyat – The Inside Story

New Delhi/Srinagar: The detention of Hurriyat leaders ahead of their planned meeting with Pakistan National Security Advisor Sartaz Aziz has once again put the focus back on the troubled India-Pakistan relationship, especially in the context of the Kashmir question.

Exclusive details available with Zee Media suggest that the purpose behind putting some Hurriyat leaders under a brief house arrest was to send a message to Pakistan that the Indian government alone will decide whether anyone from Kashmir can meet Pakistani government officials.

According to sources, Hurriyat leaders may be put under house arrest once again before Sartaj Aziz arrives in Delhi on Sunday and released only after the conclusion of NSA-level talks.

On the Hurriyat issue, a Pakistan High Commission's officer said yesterday that the invitation from them to Hurriyat is nothing but "Chai Pe Charcha", making a sarcastic reference to Modi.

However, the South Block is clear in its approach. "Agar mummy ne ‎chai pe bulaya hai, to usmein Hurriyat ko jaane dena hai ya nahin, iska faisla sirf Bharat sarkaar karegi," is the mood in the PMO.

India has drawn a clear red line on the matter - “If India and Pakistan have to engage at a bilateral level, there is no space for a third party.”

India has also stressed on maintaining the sanctity of the agreement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif in Ufa, Russia.

“When the PMs of both countries decided to engage bilaterally in Ufa, there was no mention of Kashmir, so why bring in the Hurriyat now?,” is the sentiment.

Sartaz Aziz was earlier scheduled to arrive in the morning on August 23 and head straight to Hyderabad House for the talks with Ajit Doval. However, as per reports, the plan has been tweaked further. As per the new itinerary, Aziz will arrive between 11 am and 2 pm ‎on August 23 and attend the reception at the Pakistan High Commission in the same evening, for which Hurriyat leaders have been invited. 

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