Bilateral talks: Ball in Pakistan’s court, says India

One week has passed since Pakistan-trained terrorists attacked the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot, but Pakistan is yet to take concrete action on the ground. He himself went to meet (Pakistan Prime Minister) Nawaz Sharif. We are not imposing any deadline (action against the perpetrators) on Pakistan.

To another question, spokesman Kirby said that Pakistan had said they were not going to discriminate between terrorist groups when they conduct counter-terrorism operations.

India has shared the telephone numbers and the identity of the handlers with Pakistan and has asked it to act on these individuals, senior government officials have reportedly said. All the six terrorists were killed by security forces later.

With an objective of putting that extra bit of pressure on Pakistani authorities to bring perpetrators of Pathankot attack to justice, India has postponed its Foreign Secretary-level talks with the country, as of now. India now awaits a prompt and decisive action. He advised the Indian government to engage with the Pakistani civilian and security establishment, saying that it would be essential.

Praising the soldiers, commandos and intelligence officials for efficiently handling the terror attack in Pathankot air base, he paid rich tributes to those who sacrificed their lives while fighting the terrorists.

The evidence alleging JeM’s involvement in the Pathankot attack could affect the scheduled Foreign Secretary-level talk between India and Pakistan in Islamabad on Jan 15.

The US State Department spokesman said his country appreciated the sacrifices of Pakistani citizens in counterterrorism war, adding the role of Pakistan has been very vital in war against terrorism.

“China welcomes all measures conducive to improving the Pakistan-India relationship and supports Pakistan and India in beefing up anti-terrorism cooperation”, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing.

He said that the decision to restart a comprehensive bilateral dialogue between the two countries was taken after the national security advisers met in Bangkok and discussed “terrorism, peace and security, and tranquility along the Line of Control”. Pakistan also expects DNA evidence, bodies and other forms of identification from India “within days”, the official said.