PM says Pakistan must protect minorities; talks on the issue started

Noting that the situation across the border is “not good”, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the UPA government has initiated talks with Pakistan on the issue of imposition of religious tax on minorities in that country’s tribal areas. “The minorities are facing problems in neighbouring Pakistan...Jazia (religious tax) is being imposed on minorities...we have started talks with Pakistan on the issue,” the Prime Minister said, addressing a rally on the concluding day of campaigning for May 13 polling.

“We will take appropriate and necessary steps on the issue of imposition of Jazia in neighbouring country on minorities,” he said.

Maintaining that the situation across the border is not good, Singh said, “We will at no cost bear anything against us”. India, he said, wanted friendly and cordial relations with its neighbouring countries.

Addressing a huge election rally in favour of Congress candidate O.P. Soni, he shared the dais with AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi, Punjab affairs in charge Mohsina Kidwai and former CM Capt Amarinder Singh.

Demanding votes for the party in his home city, the PM seemed content that trade with Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah border had been increasing. “We know that easing of ties with Pakistan would lead to all-round development in border areas,” he said, adding that their government has approved Rs 87 crore for the development of the border check post.

The PM later addressed another huge rally at Tarn Taran in favour of party candidate from Khadoor Sahib Rana Gurjit Singh. Hitting out at the SAD-BJP government in Punjab, the PM said all the achievements claimed by the Badals were false.