Date:08/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/08/stories/2005040809811100.htm

National

Pakistan should fulfil assurances, says Advani

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 7. The Bharatiya Janata Party president, L.K. Advani, today expressed the hope that the Government would take appropriate steps to curb violence and tension in Jammu and Kashmir and that Pakistan would "fulfil assurances given to [the former Prime Minister] Vajpayee in Islamabad [in January 2004] to curb terrorism."

Mr. Advani was commenting on the militant attack on the tourist centre in Srinagar a day ahead of the inaugural bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad.

He was speaking to reporters at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Chhattisgarh Bhavan here.

Spectre of terrorism

He said the spectre of terrorism still loomed large and there was no scope for laxity in security arrangements.

Later, the party general secretary, Arun Jaitley, said it had become clear that militants had not given up their attempts to cause violence.

"Our resolve should be to frustrate this game," he said, hoping that all necessary measures for the security of the bus passengers would be taken.