Rajnath stresses for cordial ties with Pakistan

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday that India wanted cordial and peaceful relations with Pakistan and "expected reciprocity" from Islamabad.

The minister, who arrived at the Hussainiwala joint checkpost between India and Pakistan in Punjab's Ferozepur district to open a new viewers' gallery and museum, said: "India wants cordial and peaceful relations with its neighbour. India has taken many initiatives to ensure that both the neighbouring countries co-exist in an atmosphere of peace and mutual trust.

"We expect reciprocity to our repeated overtures of friendship and goodwill from Pakistan in future," Rajnath Singh said in his address. Hussainiwala border is about 250 km from here.

Pakistan Punjab Minister of Industries Shiekh Allauddin was present in the viewers' gallery and exchanged greetings with Rajnath Singh.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Border Security Force (BSF) Director General K.K. Sharma were also present on the occasion.

Terming the BSF as the first wall of defence of the country, Rajnath Singh lauded its troopers who he said guarded the border whatever the weather.

The Home Minister said people living in border areas were strategic assets for the country. He urged the BSF personnel to take care of the border residents while performing their duties.

Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at the memorial at Hussainiwala.