New Dehi, Oct 23: The Centre's fresh peace initiative today came under fire from VHP and Shiv Sena, a key constituent of Vajpayee government, which dubbed it as an "abject surrender" that will further encourage cross-border terrorism while RJD and BJP termed the move as a step in the right direction. The initiative is an "abject surrender to the terrorist country" which will only help Pakistan succeed in its Malafide intentions, VHP's firebrand international General Secretary Praveen Togadia told reporters in Ahmedabad. Recalling Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee extending the `hand of friendship' to Pakistan in April, he said "at that time, he (Vajpayee) had said that it was his last offer of peace and India would close all its doors on any peace offer till Pakistan stopped cross border terrorism. Then from where has this new initiative cropped up?"

"Will they wait for an attack on the prime minister's residence before taking any firm step?" the firebrand leader asked referring to the recent terrorist attack on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed.
"The government must immediately halt such peace initiatives and prepare for a war", he said. Bureau Report