NEW DELHI: Despite the warnings by Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq and JuD supremo Hafiz Saeed against the visit of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, the government on Monday said he would go to Pakistan this week as scheduled and if any security issue arose, it would be the host country’s responsibility.
“The home minister is going to Pakistan for Saarc Home Ministers’ conference. It’s a multi-lateral meeting, not bilateral. But terrorism will figure in the talks,” said junior home minister Kiren Rijiju.
Saeed had warned of a countrywide protest if Rajnath is allowed by the Pakistan government to attend the Saarc ministerial conference starting from August 3. “People around the country will protest on Rajnath’s visit on 3rd August. Allowing him to come to Pakistan is adding insult to the injuries of Kashmiris,” Saeed said.
After initially saying that Pakistan will be reminded of the reciprocity agreement on Pathankot, government sources now say that it will be left to the diplomatic back channels.
The agenda for this year Saarc meeting includes terrorism, liberalisation of visas, narcotics and immigration issues.
Sources said India would raise terrorism emanating from the neighbouring country with the active support of state actors. However, there is no clarity on whether India will hand over the dossier prepared by agencies exposing Pakistan role in sponsoring terror in India.
Sources also said the delegation to Pakistan would be small and not have NSA Ajit Doval and Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma.