It also warned that if Pakistan did not stop violating the LoC (Line of Control), India would have to think of taking strong action.
"We don't want to break the process of peace but at the same time, we need to send a strong message to Pakistan that we are quite strong and can face any challenge. They should not feel that we are weak in any respect," Congress spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit told reporters here.
"If Pakistan did not stop violating the LoC, India will have to think of taking strong action. We are watching the situation whether the Pakistan government is maintaining the status quo of ceasefire on the Line of Control. They should stop violating the ceasefire. A clear picture will emerge in the next three-four days," he said.
The Congress also appreciated the diplomatic and military steps taken by the government to keep the sanctity of the LoC and put pressure on Pakistan in the aftermath of the killing of two soldiers by the Pakistan Army Tuesday.
"We take note of the fact that the government has put diplomatic and other pressures on the government of Pakistan and the steps military is taking to strengthen the patrolling on the Line of Control and the action they have taken. We welcome that," said Dikshit.
"We urge the government to take all necessary diplomatic and other actions that are necessary to keep the sanctity of the Line of Control and the diplomatic steps necessary to continue to put pressure on Pakistan," he said.
The Congress also rubbished remarks made by BJP leader and former external affairs minister Yashwant Sinha that both United Progressive Alliance and National Democratic Alliance had committed a mistake in talking to Pakistan.
"It is possible they are feeling now that they might have erred in taking the bus to Lahore. We want friendly relations with Pakistan and to strengthen the same," said Dikshit referring to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's famous bus ride to Pakistan in 1999.
On the Pakistan government stopping the bus service (Paigam-e-Aman) between the two countries, Dikshit said: "As far as stopping the bus service is concerned, I think the government of Pakistan is not clear within themselves for taking any decision".
The Congress expressed hope that Pakistan would help control the situation.
"We do hope that the Pakistan government will take cognizance of our diplomatic and military protests for violating the ceasefire on the Line of Control and they should try to solve the problem than to aggravate the same," said Dikshit.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
