Failure of NSA-level talks a 'big setback, says Bilal Lone

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ANI New Delhi
Last Updated : Aug 23 2015 | 8:48 PM IST

Separatist leader Bilal Lone, who was detained yesterday on his arrival at New Delhi airport, on Sunday said that calling-off of NSA-level talks between India and Pakistan is a 'big setback'.

"The NSA-level talks have been called off, it should not have happened. Engagement between India and Pakistan is very important. People who believe in dialogue, people who believe that the issue will be solved, it is a big setback. The biggest brunt in this is for Kashmiri people," Lone told ANI.

"We just want to talk about Kashmir issue. We are not third party, we are primary party. The issue is ours, if you don't ask us then who else

will you ask," he added.

Pakistan called off the NSA-level talks with India late on Saturday night.

A statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office said the proposed talks will not serve any purpose if conducted on the basis of what it called "preconditions" laid down by India.

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First Published: Aug 23 2015 | 8:35 PM IST

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