We will never accept continued cross-border terrorism as new normal: India to Pakistan

Delhi: India made it clear to Pakistan on Thursday that terror and talks cannot go hand-in-hand.

"Terror and talks cannot go hand-in-hand. Our stand on this is clear," Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup said while addressing the press in the national capital.

"We will never accept continued cross-border terrorism as the new normal, stop cross-border terror and then we can talk," he added.

Swarup further clarified, "No we have not got any request for a bilateral (with Pakistan), also we are always in favour of talks but not in atmosphere of terror."

Regarding the SAARC summit, he maintained, "It was not India which scuttled SAARC process, unanimous members wrote to chair Nepal that atmosphere not conducive."

When asked about Nagrota attack, the MEA spokesperson said, "We are awaiting specific details before deciding on our next step." 

At the same time, he pointed out, "I do wish to emphasise that government takes this incident very seriously and will do what it feels is required for national security."

On General Qamar Javed Bajwa taking over as Pakistan's new army chief succeeding Gen Raheel Sharif, Swarup he said, "Change of Army chief is internal matter of Pakistan, but we will judge Pak by its behaviour and its track record."

On November 29, seven Army personnel, including two Major-rank officers, were killed when a group of heavily-armed terrorists in police uniform stormed an Army unit in Jammu and Kashmir's Nagrota.

The unit was about three kms from the Corps headquarters on the outskirts of Jammu city.

Three terrorists were killed in the stand-off which also involved a hostage-like situation with 12 soldiers, two ladies and two children being held captive.

The Army had tweeted then:

#JKOps Statement on Terrorist Initiated Incident at Nagrota is attached @adgpi pic.twitter.com/rTG2xMxM7h — NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) November 29, 2016

The men who laid their lives for the country are:

#ArmyCdrNC & All Ranks #salute the supreme sacrifice of Nagrota Martyrs & offer condolences to their families @adgpi pic.twitter.com/254C7Vvvf7 — NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) November 30, 2016