'26/11 case remains a challenge'

Though it was mostly about India and Pakistan articulating the stated positions on Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) at the foreign secretary level talks, a set of confidence-building measures (CBMs) specific to the state will help find a leeway forward, Indian officials said.

Though it was mostly about India and Pakistan articulating the stated positions on Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) at the foreign secretary level talks, a set of confidence-building measures (CBMs) specific to the state will help find a leeway forward, Indian officials said.

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Officials also said that getting a closure on 26/11 Mumbai attack case remains a "big challenge".

A substantial part of the discussion on J&K was about "repeating" the stated position-but a "considerable" part focussed on cross LoC.

The deliberations were on promoting indigenous products, increasing border trading points and days, liberalising visa regime and more connectivity between the two sides.

During the discussions both sides also took note of the ceasefire announced in 2003 which still "by and large holds".

"Though there was free and candid exchange of each other's views, there was no rancour," said an official, adding India's "concerns over issues such as infiltration, the need to have an atmosphere free of violence for having meaningful dialogue on this complex was stressed".

"As the foreign secretary said while addressing the media, we cannot have dialogue under the shadow of gun," he added.

"During the talks we have pointed out that despite assurances and discussions at the home secretary as well as home minister level, there is no real to bring the plotters of Mumbai attack to justice," officials said. Indian side also demanded for getting the voice samples from Pakistan regarding the 26/11 case.

"Just before the talks we had handed a dossier to Pakistan on 26/11," pointed out an official.