New Delhi: India stepped up security and raised alert levels in Jammu and Kashmir Friday following fears of a serious terrorist threat to Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and tourists in the troubled state.
But that did not come in the way of diplomatic niceties between India and Pakistan as Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria enjoyed a “wonderful meal and a warm chat” with newly-appointed Pakistani envoy to New Delhi Moin ul Haque.
“Neighbours! A wonderful meal and warm chat with Pakistan High Commissioner-designate to India Moin-Ul-Haque. A professional diplomat and current ambassador in Paris, he’s looking forward to getting to India soon. Wished him an exciting tenure!” Bisaria said in a Facebook post.
After the two envoys met in the Pakistani capital, the Indian High Commissioner tagged a picture of Haque and himself along with the post.
Haque was appointed as Pakistan envoy to India in May. He is expected to take charge later this month or early September. Before this, he was Pakistan’s Ambassador to Paris.
Also read: Pakistan silent on granting consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav
Mounting tensions
The Indian security apparatus went into a tizzy Friday as the government asked tourists, particularly pilgrims who were on their way to the Amarnath shrine, in Jammu and Kashmir to cancel their travel plans and return as a pre-emptive measure.
During the day, the Indian Army said it had confirmed inputs about Pakistan trying to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra, adding that explosives had been recovered along the route.
India also refused Pakistan’s offer for consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav stating it should be given in accordance to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders issued last month.
An official source said that India has asked Pakistan for “unimpeded consular access to Shri Kulbhushan Jadhav, in an environment free from the fear of intimidation and reprisal, in the light of the orders of the ICJ. Their response in now awaited.”
Pakistan had allotted Indian officials an appointment to meet Jadhav, at 3 pm Friday, but with the riders that their officials will also be present during the meeting and that it will be covered by CCTV cameras.
Also read: Militants in Kashmir using new IED modules to target Amarnath pilgrims & security forces
I think it’s a devious Pakistani strategy to entice via biryani-kabab trap those who cannot be honey trapped! Can I volunteer? For the former!
It is the job of diplomats to keep the conversation going and civil even as the shells are exploding outside. No matter how much tensions escalate, shutting down the two missions or downgrading them should be the last option. The two High Commissioners provide a reliable channel of communication when other meetings are not considered feasible.