Decision to scrap foreign secretary-level talks childish: Geelani

Separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani today described as "childish and undemocratic" the Indian Government's decision to call off of foreign secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan.

Geelani, who is scheduled to meet Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit in New Delhi today, said, "The decision of the Government of India is childish, doesn't hold importance, they shouldn't have done this. We have been visiting Pakistan Embassy several times to hold talks, the decision to cancel foreign secretary-level talks is undemocratic."

The Hurriyat leader also made it clear that the separatist leaders will go to Delhi to meet the Pakistan High commissioner.

"Will go to Delhi. If they arrest or make an excuse of not letting us meet, then India is using its power," he added.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "Separatists ke saath walk aur Bharat sarkar ke saath talk yeh dono saath sambav nahin hain (It is not possible to walk with the Indian government while talking to separatists)."

NCP leader Tariq Anwar has also supported the government's decision to call off the talks. "To call separatists for talks when foreign secretary level talks were already arranged was inappropriate. It is a fitting reply by the Government of India."

The Indian government had on Monday cancelled foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan which were scheduled to be held on August 25 in Islamabad.

The government said that it was calling off the talks in the wake of Kashmiri separatist leaders being invited to the Pakistan High Commission to meet High Commissioner Abdul Basit.