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Govt wants peace in
Kashmir, says PM: PTI

"We want peace in Jammu and Kashmir and despite acts of violence continuing there, we have extended the ceasefire," Vajpayee told reporters.

Stating that militants were bent on blocking the peace initiative taken by the government, the prime minister said it was the responsibility of Islamabad to rein in militants.

On resumption of talks with Pakistan, he said India wanted to start a dialogue with that country as early as possible but there should be a conducive atmosphere for that.

There would be no advantage if militant activities continued even when both countries engaged in talks, he said.

On "delay" in granting passports to Hurriyat leaders, he said that the ministry concerned was looking into it and there would not be any delay.

Meanwhile, having voiced concern over the rise in militancy in Jammu and Kashmir during the ceasefire, the Bharatiya Janata Party chose circumspection in reacting to the extension of the truce in the state beyond Republic Day, hoping Pakistan would rein in militant groups operating from there.

"The government must have taken into consideration all aspects before extending the ceasefire for another month. It was a unilateral decision and it was not a question of time but for creating an atmosphere for dialogue," party Vice-President Jana Krishnamurthy told reporters.

On whether it would yield positive results, he said, "We hope better sense will prevail over Pakistan and it will take steps to curb terrorist activities. This decision (extension of ceasefire) is not taken in agreement with anyone. It can be called off any moment."

BJP sources said the extension of ceasefire could be to allow continuation of the Track-II diplomacy as also to see the reaction from the new American administration under George W Bush. The Clinton dispensation had been positive towards India, the sources recalled.

"This step would help gauge the views of the Bush administration as also enabling pursuing of Track-II diplomacy," they said.

The Complete Coverage: The Ceasefire in J&K

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