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New Delhi:
On the eve of the Prime Minister's statement to Parliament, comments by Pakistan's interior minister have caused more embarrassment to an already beleaguered government.
Indian officials have made it clear that if Pakistan is a civilised society, it would act against the Lashkar chief, Hafiz Saeed and charge him under domestic laws. But with such a huge political storm raging here, the Foreign Ministry quickly deflected any questions.
"I think the Prime Minister is the authority on this subject and he will give the answer in Parliament tomorrow," said Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State, External Affairs.
But the opposition has stepped up its protests submitting a memorandum to the President on Tuesday detailing their objection to the joint statement.
While the Congress has publicly said there are no differences with the PM, sources say Dr Singh is expected to tell Parliament:
*There will be no composite dialogue till there is concrete action against terrorism
* And Balochistan is Pakistan's internal matter
The Congress hoping that the Prime Minister's statement will put the concerns to rest, but won't be easy for Dr Singh especially on the issue of Balochistan.
Indian officials have made it clear that if Pakistan is a civilised society, it would act against the Lashkar chief, Hafiz Saeed and charge him under domestic laws. But with such a huge political storm raging here, the Foreign Ministry quickly deflected any questions.
"I think the Prime Minister is the authority on this subject and he will give the answer in Parliament tomorrow," said Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State, External Affairs.
But the opposition has stepped up its protests submitting a memorandum to the President on Tuesday detailing their objection to the joint statement.
While the Congress has publicly said there are no differences with the PM, sources say Dr Singh is expected to tell Parliament:
*There will be no composite dialogue till there is concrete action against terrorism
* And Balochistan is Pakistan's internal matter
The Congress hoping that the Prime Minister's statement will put the concerns to rest, but won't be easy for Dr Singh especially on the issue of Balochistan.
