Kolkata, January 22
The Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, now in the city, has expressed concern over the fresh round of mortar attacks in Poonch sector from across the border, which he feared was bound to disturb the peace process between the two countries.
India cannot sit as an idle spectator to these attacks for long, he warned. He requested Pakistan to stop the attacks and ensure that the peace process continues.
The Pakistani army had denied any role in these fresh attacks, which they attributed to militant groups operating in J & K. But the sophisticated weapons used in the attacks could only suggest the involvement of the Pakistani army in the action, Mr Mukherjee remarked.
India is firm on maintaining friendship with Pakistan, which is necessary for the interest of the people of both countries and the entire south-east region, Mr Mukherjee reiterated.
The Defence Minister said he was in touch with the Army command in the J&K over the situation there and the DG, Military Operations, was negotiating with his counterparts in Pakistan in this connection. The Defence Secretary, Mr Bikram Singh had been also asked to talk to Islamabad in this regard.
Mr Mukherjee, who is also WBPCC president, later left for his constituency district Murshidabad where he will spend two days. During his stay there he will meet the leaders of the two factional groups of the party in an effort to resolve their disputes.
The district Congress chief, Mr Adhir Chowdhury, an MP, who is a Mukherjee-loyalist has tendered his resignation following squabbles with the rival group, led by Mr Atis Sinha, former MP and presently the party leader in the state Assembly. But a large section of the district Congress leaders and workers are siding with Mr Chowdhury and they have requested Mr Mukherjee not to accept his resignation.
