Talks only if Pakistan stops cross-border terrorism: BJP

Jamshedpur: BJP today said India would not hold talks with Pakistan till it stopped sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

Negotiation amidst violence is not possible. Pakistan will have to stop supporting cross-border terrorism, firing and talking to Hurriyat leaders, if it wanted India to resume talks, BJP Spokesman Shahnawaz Hussain said at a press conference here.

The former Union Minister said, "We have stated our position clearly. We want friendships with our neighbours. (But) We do not want friendship by stooping low or by scaring others."

If Pakistan wished to maintain the friendship and hold talks, they will have to stop supporting cross-border terrorism and talking to Hurriyat leaders, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made India's position clear on the issue of terrorism at the recently concluded SAARC meet in Nepal, he said.