Modi-Sharif Meeting: Congress Reacting Irresponsibly, Says PDP's Mehboob Beg

Jammu: Accusing the Congress leaders of reacting "irresponsibly" over the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Pakistan, the PDP today said the opposition party was indulging in "Pakistan-bashing".

"I am surprised by the reactions of various Congress leaders; they seem to be anguished over the step taken by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Pakistan," People's Democratic Party's chief spokesman Mehboob Beg said.

"Is it not true that the Congress has always vouched for good and healthy relations with Pakistan? Their reaction is irresponsible as they are indulging in Pakistan-bashing", Mr Beg said.

In a statement, he also accused the Congress of making "half-hearted attempts" to improve relations with Pakistan.

"Congress has always made attempts, although half-heartedly, for a healthy relation with Pakistan and now they seem to be indulging in what is commonly known as Pakistan-bashing", Mr Beg alleged.

He said that senior Congress leaders were opposing the moves of the Prime Minister just "for the sake of opposing" him.

"There was no harm in holding talks in a third country and away from media glare as the same showed serious intent and the Congress had even unnecessarily opposed it as well," he said.

Mr Beg said Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed had rightly pointed out that good relations between India and Pakistan were essential not only for stability between the two nations but also would "augur immensely well for stability and progress in the whole region."