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This is an archive article published on May 14, 2008

Infiltration, terror high on agenda of Indo-Pak talks

India said ending cross-border infiltartion and terrorism is a 'necessary condition' for peace and security.

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Amid concerns over renewed infiltration bids and spurt in cross-border terrorism, India said on Wednesday that these issues will be high on agenda of the talks with Pakistan next week as ending these is a “necessary condition” for peace and security.

Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon said on Wednesday that continued infiltration is a “problem” and it will be raised at the Foreign Secretary-level and Foreign Ministerial talks in Islamabad from May 20.

“It (infiltration) is very high on agenda under Peace and Security (subject of composite dialogue). Certainly, we will raise it (infiltration) and we look forward to discussing it and dealing with it,” he told reporters here when asked whether India will raise the issue with Pakistan.

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“We have said that absence of violence and stopping cross border terrorism is very high priority. It is necessary condition in many ways in what we are trying to achieve in the relationship with Pakistan,” Menon said.

The Foreign Secretary’s comments assume significance as these come a day after Jaipur serial blasts and concern voiced by Defence Minister A K Antony over continued infiltration.

“The fact is infiltration itself is a problem. We will deal with it on the ground and also bilaterally with Pakistan. We will raise it with them,” Menon said.

With regard to Jaipur blasts, he refused to accuse anybody, saying investigations were still on to ascertain who is behind it.

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“We are still in the process of investigation. When we come to a conclusion about the roots, sources etc, then we will decide what to do,” he said when asked if this incident will be discussed with Pakistan.

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