Politicians say no dialogue with Pakistan if ceasefire violations continue

Politicians and security expert said dialogue with Pakistan cannot happen if unprovoked firing across border continued as Pakistani Rangers yet again violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to reports, firing from Pakistani side began around 11 pm on Sunday night in Poonch sector. The unprovoked firing from the Pakistan troopers evoked a sharp response from the Indian side. Intermittent firing from Pakistan, however, continued through the night.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader G.V.L. Narasimha Rao said despite repeated reminders Pakistan continued to violate ceasefire.

"Diplomatic level dialogue has to happen and that will happen only if Pakistan stops violations at the border and Pakistan quit the path of violence. Despite repeated reminders these incidents continue to happen at our international border," said Narasimha.

Security expert Qamar Agha said terror and talk cannot go hand in hand.

"There is a duality in Pakistani stand. They want to talk with us and at the same time they encourage militancy or border violations. This is the trend, which is going on for decades. This will not help solve the problem. We believe terror and talk cannot go side by side," said Agha.

India had earlier warned Pakistan it would pay an "unaffordable price" if it persisted with shelling and machine-gun fire across a heavily populated border area in the lowlands of Kashmir.

Congress leader Rashid Alvi said Pakistan should create an atmosphere for talks.

"India is always ready to talk with Pakistan but Pakistan should create an atmosphere where such talks can take place. It is not possible to have talks in New Delhi while there is firing at the border," said Alvi.