No talks with Pak as long as democracy does not return

Even if US President Bill Clinton came up with any proposals, talks could not be held with Pakistan unless there is a democratically-elected government.

“Our neighbour (Pakistan) should understand that we are a peaceful nation. They also have to understand that Bill Clinton cannot do anything that cannot be accepted. One general cannot work with another and talks can be held only between two prime ministers.”

He said he had been trying for expansion of Jammu airport for the past 18 years. But every time, there were some hurdles.

“Every time fears were expressed that if the Kargil airport is expanded, a plane could cross the LoC.” But the Loc is far and as long as big planes cannot land at Kargil airport, it could not be useful.

Minister of State for Defence Harin Pathak, who was also present at the ceremony, said the Centre is modernising and expanding Jammu airport to cater to both civil and defence needs, keeping in view the strategic importance of the area.

He said that previously defence needs had to be met from either Udhampur or Pathankot. But now, Jammu airport would be developed so that even big planes could land that could cater to defence needs as well.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Chaman Lal Gupta said nearly 104 kanals of land around Jammu airport were with the defence authorities, 250 kanals with Jammu and Kashmir government and 125 kanals with private persons. The state government had agreed to give the land under its control to airport authorities free of cost.

Discussions were on with defence authorities for acquiring the 104 kanals of land with them (for which purpose Pathak had also come here) and 125 kanals of land with private persons could be purchased from them.

He said the government had also earmarked Rs 35 crore for development of Kargil airport. But nearly Rs 20 crore had been wasted during the recent Kargil conflict and work had to start all over again.