Govt move on talks with Hurriyat unfortunate -- Thackeray

Govt move on talks with Hurriyat unfortunate -- Thackeray
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

MUMBAI, MAY 11: Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has taken strong exception to Centre's move to hold talks with prominent leaders of the Hurriyat Conference for restoring normalcy in the Valley.

``It is unfortunate that the Centre is planning to hold negotiations with the terrorists in the Valley at the instance of Pakistan. If that is the policy of the Centre, then it should show a similar gesture for initiating a dialogue with the naxalites,'' Thackeray told newsmen after a closed-door meelting of senior party workers.

``I do not see any propriety in holding talks with the ISI sponsored terrorists, who came here to disintegrate the country and killed hundreds of innocent Hindus. If you are holding talks with such leaders, then why sacrifice so many Indian soldiers in the Kargil conflict?'' he questioned.

Thackeray was reacting to the statement of Union Home Minister L K Advani in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Advani had stated that the Centre was keen to hold dialogue with the militants in the Valley for restoring peace in the troubled areas.

The views expressed by Thackeray assume significant political importance since Shiv Sena is a partner in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

Replying to a question, Thackeray extended support to the LTTE.