BJP, CPI lawmakers criticise Kashmir separatists meeting with Sartaj Aziz

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Lawmakers have criticised the meeting that took place between Kashmir separatist leaders and Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security.

Aziz, who is in India to participate in the Asia-Europe Meeting, is said to have assured the Kashmiri leaders that Islamabad would continue to work for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute that has dogged Indo-Pakistan relations since 1947.

The Kashmiri separatist leaders met Aziz on November 10.

"It raises a question when Pakistan's foreign advisor meets a delegation of separatists after a series of border firing incidents which are sponsored by Pakistan, their Army, ISI and militant outfits. It is also a question in itself that how the Indian government allowed this to happen," said BJP vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

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The National Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), D. Raja, said:"Actually speaking, the Government of India must have allowed this meeting to take place. The Government of India must be knowing all the facts and details of this meeting, and, it is the duty of Government of India to tell the nation about this meeting, the outcome of this meeting and the implications of such meetings for our country's interest. The government should explain. The government owes an explanation."

The chairman of the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said after the meeting that the issue of Kashmir is a political problem and can only be resolved through dialogue.

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yasin Malik said the views of the people of Kashmir must be taken into consideration while chalking out a solution for Jammu and Kashmir.

Janata Dal (United) leader K. C. Tyagi said: "The Indian Government and the opposition have the common view on Kashmir issue that Kashmir is a vital part of India. Kashmir became a part of India on October 27, 1947. There can be no debate on this issue and the ongoing meetings do not have much impact as these meetings are common.