No scope for third party role in tackling tension at LoC: India

New Delhi: India today rejected Pakistan's calls to have an international body look into the tension at the Line of Control, saying it has to be dealt with bilaterally and there was no scope of any third party involvement.

"We did hear some statements about giving access to third parties in this affair. I think we have moved away from that," External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid told reporters New Delhi.

He said there has been a "clear reaffirmation" of the bilateral process.

"I think that the contacts between the DGMOs of both sides have indicated that the bilateral process remains in a sustained and steady manner," he said.

Mr Khurshid added, "We haven't heard anything more about statements that obviously are not acceptable to us. We do reiterate our position that these are bilateral issues and they should be settled bilaterally.

"We have a history of being able to work bilaterally and would want to maintain that. We need to contain this in bilateral purview".

The two countries had yesterday clashed at the Security Council over the relevance of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir with New Delhi saying it has been "overtaken" by the 1971 Shimla Accord while Islamabad insisting the force still had a role.

Tensions had erupted between India and Pakistan over firing and clashes earlier this month at the LoC in which Pakistani troops killed two Indian soldiers. Pakistan had complained to the United Nation observer force claiming that Indian troops had allegedly crossed the LoC and "raided" a border post.

The UNMOGIP had said it would conduct an investigation in accordance with its mandate.

India has rejected Pakistan's proposal for a UN investigation into the LoC incident saying New Delhi would not "internationalise the issue or allow the United Nations to hold an inquiry".

Asked about the offer for talks made by his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar, Mr Khurshid said because of certain "unacceptable" incidents, the situation had given rise to several questions.

"The atmospherics were deteriorating considerably and therefore it was important for us that we first ensure that the atmospherics return to normal or near-normal," he said.

Mr Khurshid underlined that India's expectations in the context of the "unfortunate" incident (beheading of Indian soldier) be honoured and responded to.

He said the situation has to become more amiable and more acceptable in terms of public perception and the general support that is needed to take "strong, important decisions".

He said India does not want to do anything in haste as that would not lead to a constructive and creative outcome.

"So, it is a situation in which we have to be careful, we have to watch and analyse before we take any step in the direction that would be meaningful," Mr Khurshid said.

Asked specifically if he was supporting Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, Mr Khurshid said: "I am simply saying that the Home Ministry as well as any other Ministry makes its position in public and addresses public opinion based on facts that we believe are correct and true."

He said that is what would have been done in this case.

"I am only urging you (media) and requesting you not to be distracted by other commentaries that comes from elsewhere, self-serving commentary," Mr Khurshid added.

The Minister said that what was important is that our (India's) position is clear and does not call for any further questions in one form or the other.

"I think our position is very clear. Working around one phrase or the other does not change positions. Position is clear, precise and based on facts," he said.