LoC tension: Indian PM talks tough, visa facility put on hold

Tuesday, January 15, 2013
In a stern message to Pakistan Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh asks Pakistan to book those responsible for the
recent barbaric mutilation of Indian soldiers along LoC
New Delhi: In his first public remarks over barbaric mutilations of two Indian soldiers along the line of control by Pakistani troops, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh warned Pakistan on Tuesday that there "cannot be business as usual" even after the recent clash and repeated ceasefire violations.

Talking in tough language Prime Minister emphasized that "Those responsible for this crime will have to be brought to book" and hoped "Pakistan realises this".

When asked that Pakistan was in denial mod on the cross LoC attack, Singh said “We will keep trying”.

Hardening its position on the issue, India on Tuesday put on hold the visa-on-arrival facility for senior citizens of Pakistan and sent back home all its nine hockey players amid growing tensions and repeated exchange of fire along the border line from the both sides.

India was all set to operationalise the long-delayed visa-on- arrival facility to senior citizens of Pakistan today but quietly put it on hold indefinitely. The facility was to be accorded for those above 65 years crossing the Attari-Wagah border by foot.

Government sources said the decision was taken after several agencies sought clarifications on facilities to be offered to the Pakistani citizens.

Both India and Pakistan in September 2012 signed in visa accord on arrival facility under the new visa agreement to ease cross-border travel as part of Confidence Building Measures (CBM).

The Prime Minister, who was responding to reporters' questions here at the Army Day reception hosted by Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh, refused to discuss options vis-a-vis Pakistan saying “it cannot be discussed in the open”.
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