India slams Pakistan for ceasefire violations, state support to terrorism; says talks and terror can't go together

New Delhi: Addressing the weekly media briefing, Vikas Swarup, official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, slammed Pakistan for ceasefire violations and supporting terror.

Slamming Pakistan for ceasefire violations, Vikas Swarup said, "MEA called in Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner yesterday and issued a demarche, the 4th one this month on continued ceasefire violations from other side of LoC."

MEA summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner and stated that despite calls for restraint Pakistan violated ceasefire 27 times from 12-21 Nov.

"Internationalising Kashmir issue has borne no fruit. Pakistan would be advised to 1st end state support to terror," said MEA on committee formed by Pakistan.

"These violent acts constitute a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement of 2003; govt also protested the deliberate targeting by Pakistan army of 18 villages along LoC during 16-21 Nov," Swarup added.

Bilateral talks with Pakistan

On possibility of bilateral talks with Pakistan, Vikas Swarup said, "Talks and terror can't go together. Environment has to be terror free for talks to take place."

"Not ruling out or ruling in anything, but not in position to confirm," says Vikas Swarup on if there will be bilateral talks with Sartaj Aziz.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz will be attending the Heart of Asia (HoA) conference in Amritsar on December 3 and 4.

The visit comes amid rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC).

The conference, which will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, will see participation of over 40 countries.

Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan

"We expect early repatriation and safe return of Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan, who inadvertently crossed LoC over 7 weeks ago," said MEA spokesperson.