LoC flare-up: Khurshid voices disappointment at delay in DGMOs meeting

Says PM Nawaz Sharif should be given time to improve relations.

As ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) continued this week, India has expressed disappointment that a meeting of Director General Military Operations (DGMOs) has not been scheduled as yet, despite agreement by prime ministers of both countries, the Press Trust of India reported.

“I am a bit disappointed that we did not get traction after the meeting of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in New York,” said Indian Minister for External Affairs, Salman Khurshid

Talking to reporters, Khurshid expressed concern that while the two leaders had agreed that the DGMOs of the two nations would meet, they had been unable to hold a meeting for more than a month, which according to Khurshid was a “long time”.

Voicing cautious optimism however, the minister stressed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif  should be given time so that the peace process could be brought on track.

“Great emphasis (to normalise India-Pakistan relations) was given by Prime Minister Nawaz. I think we should give him time,” he said.

He added although the two DGMOs are in touch through government channels, it was important to meet face to face.

“They (the DGMOs) are in touch through the government channels but it is important to meet face to face and take up these unfortunate issues,” Khurshid said.

Highlighting that achieving peace and tranquility along the LoC was a high priority, Khurshid added that his government should be fully prepared nevertheless.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2013.