Home Secretaries of India, Pakistan begin talks
New Delhi: Indian Home Secretary GK Pillai met his Pakistani counterpart Chaudhary Qamar Zaman here on Monday for first ever Home Secretary level talks between the two countries since 26/11.
Indian Secretary for Internal Security UK Bansal and other Home Affairs Ministry officials arrived at Ashok Hotel for talks on issues related to trial for 26/11 accused and fishermen release likely to be discussed in two-day secretary-level meeting. Indian media says that an agreement is expected on early release of Indian and Pakistani fishermen who've been languishing in jails in both countries. The talks, in which both sides are being represented by 17-member delegation each, is expected to go on till 5.pm. Home Secretary Pillai will host a dinner for Pakistan delegation. As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh gets ready to watch cricket World Cup semi final Wednesday at Mohali with Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, Home Secretaries of both countries are trying to put Indo-Pak relations back on track. Indian media quoting sources said ultimately what might be seen in the joint statement on Tuesday will be token gestures like release of captured fishermen. Important issues like those of terrorism might be left to a later day. The current talks may just set frame work for next round between Commerce & Water Secretaries slated soon after.
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