New Delhi, July 2 (IANS) Reacting to a joint appeal by 117 eminent personalities from India and Pakistan urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue and restore diplomatic engagement, the BJP on Thursday reiterated that India’s stand remains unchanged that peace and terrorism cannot coexist.

Responding to the appeal, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma said that while such initiatives are welcome, the same message should also be conveyed to Pakistan.

“Those who have made this appeal should also go to Pakistan and convey the same message there. India has never said that it does not want good relations with any of its neighbours. Our only condition is that there should be no cross-border terrorism or infiltration. If that is ensured, India is always willing to maintain cordial relations,” Sharma told IANS.

Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal said India has always stood for peace and harmony.

“India believes in peace and is recognised across the world as a messenger of peace. We aspire to become a ‘Vishwaguru’ through peace and coexistence. The world must understand that lasting progress is possible only through peace and not through war,” he said.

BJP leader Narayan Dutt Tripathi said dialogue with Pakistan is not objectionable, but questioned the credibility of Islamabad’s commitments.

“Everyone has the right to express their own opinion. Similar efforts have been made in the past as well. Former Prime Minister, late Atal Bihari Vajpayee took several initiatives to improve ties with Pakistan. He even launched the Delhi-Lahore bus service and visited Pakistan. Dialogue itself is not a bad thing, but the question remains whether Pakistan will honour its commitments. That has always been the challenge,” Tripathi said.

BJP leader Vijay Sampla said the appeal may have merit, but meaningful dialogue requires an atmosphere free from terrorism.

“These people’s demands may be justified, but India has made its position absolutely clear that peace and terrorism cannot go together. India is a peace-loving nation, but before any dialogue can take place, an environment of trust and security must first be established,” he said.

BJP National Spokesperson Guru Prakash said the government remains attentive to all diplomatic developments while safeguarding national interests.

“The government is sensitive to every issue, and the Ministry of External Affairs closely monitors developments. Citizens have every right to express their opinions. However, the government will always move forward while protecting the country’s respect, dignity and sovereignty,” he said.

The reactions came after 117 prominent personalities from India and Pakistan jointly appealed to PM Modi and Pakistan PM Sharif to take sustained steps towards restoring peace, dialogue and normal bilateral relations.

The appeal, issued by the Centre for Peace and Progress and signed by 61 Indians and 56 Pakistanis, called on both governments to end prolonged hostility, arguing that continued tensions were depriving millions of young people of opportunities, prosperity and a secure future.

Among the Indian signatories were National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, RJD MP Manoj Jha and former Trinamool Congress minister Humayun Kabir, now associated with the AJUP.

The Pakistani signatories included former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, National Assembly member Isphanyar Bhandara, and nuclear physicist and author Pervez Hoodbhoy.

–IANS

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