New Delhi, Sept 02: India today brushed aside Pakistan's critical references to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's peace initiative, asking Islamabad to "act maturely and invest in the future". "Time has come, in Pakistan's own interest and in the interest of peace, that Pakistan should unclench its fist, wipe its hands clean of the stains of terrorism and firmly grasp the hand of friendship that we have extended," External Affairs Ministry spokesman told reporters here. He was asked about Pakistan foreign office spokesman's remarks that Prime Minister had suspended his hand of friendship in "mid-air" and was "withdrawing" it. The MEA spokesman said "if our Prime Minister's hand is suspended in mid-air, as the Pakistani spokesman claims, it is because so far Pakistan has failed to grasp it" and added "We invite Pakistan to act maturely and invest in the future".


Official sources here said the unabated anti-India rhetoric and repeatedly calling into question India's desire to improve relations clearly reflected a lack of sincerity on Pakistan's part to create a conducive atmosphere. New Delhi has emphasised that while it was ready for meaningful talks, this was not possible till terrorist violence from across the borders was stopped.

Bureau Report