It's time to give Pakistan a befitting reply: Army chief Bipin Rawat

The Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Saturday clarified the Indian government's stand on calling off talks with Pakistan, saying that it was in tune with its consistent policy that "talks and terrorism can't go hand-in-hand". He asked Islamabad to show sincerity of purpose and curb menace of terrorism before extending the hand of friendship.

"I think our government's policy has been quite clear and concise. We have made no bones about the fact that talks and terrorism can't go hand-in-hand. Pakistan needs to curb menace of terrorism," General Rawat said.

Responding to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's harsh reaction, even to the extent of demeaning PM Modi, General Rawat said that India needs to take stern action to avenge the barbarism that terrorists and the Pakistan Army have been carrying out along the India-Pakistan border. "Yes, it's time to give it back to them in the same coin, however, not resorting to similar kind of barbarism. But, I think the other side must also feel the same pain," he said.

Earlier, launching a scathing attack, Khan took to Twitter to express his displeasure at India's response, calling it "arrogant and negative".

"Disappointed at the arrogant and negative response by India to my call for the resumption of the peace dialogue. However, all my life I have come across small men occupying big offices who do not have the vision to see the larger picture (sic)," Khan posted on Twitter.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Friday announced the cancellation of talks in a strongly worded statement, saying, "It is obvious that behind Pakistan's proposal for talks to make a fresh beginning, the evil agenda of Pakistan stands exposed and the true face of the new Prime Minister Imran Khan has been revealed to the world in his first few months in office," he said. "Any conversation with Pakistan in such an environment would be meaningless."

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said India has "priorities other than dialogue" and alleged that there is a group in New Delhi that does not want talks to happen. He went on to say that if India doesn't want dialogue, then Pakistan also won't be in a haste either. But, he reiterated that dialogue is the only way to come to the resolution of any issue.