Pak envoy invite to separatists 'strange and ironical': VHP

Jammu and Kashmir unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad termed the invite by Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit to Kashmiri separatists as "strange and ironical," saying the neighbouring country is playing with the sovereignty of India.

"It is very strange and ironical that Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit has dared to invite Kashmiri separatists ... in Delhi on August 19 to have consultations ahead of Indo-Pak foreign secretaries' meet on August 25," state VHP patron Ramakant Dubey told reporters.

"India has always tried to maintain good relations with the neighbouring countries but Pakistan has always responded in a negative way with double standards," he charged.

On one hand Pakistan is coming for high-level talks while on the other hand, the Pakistan High Commissioner is inviting separatists and that too on the Indian soil. Pakistan has dared to play with the sovereignty of the country, he said.

The Indian prime minister has already sent a clear message to Pakistan and other countries to maintain good relations with them but not at the cost of security and sovereignty of the country, he said.

VHP appeals the Centre to take strong steps and send a clear message to the Pakistan High Commissioner to immediately withdraw his invitation to the separatists, he said.