India never raised Captain Kalia's issue with Pakistan: Rehman Malik
New Delhi, Dec. 15 (ANI)
Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Saturday claimed that India had never raised the issue of Captain Saurabh Kalia bilaterally with Pakistan and added that his remarks about the Kargil martyr should not be taken with negative mind- set.
Talking to reporters outside the India International Centre here, Malik said that he was unaware about the matter when a journalist asked to comment, soon after his arrival in India yesterday.
"For the first time Home Minister of India requested me to look into the matter during our meeting last night. And I promised him that we would investigate the matter. I pay my condolences to his (Captain Kalia) family. If such incident has occurred, we will take proper steps," said Malik.
When I was asked to comment, first of all I said that that I am unaware of the issue and don't want to say anything. But I was asked again and then I said that the matter is unresolved, cause of death is not known. I don't know if he died by bullet or due to harsh weather of Kargil. It should be not taken with negative mind- set," he added.
"When I saw his father's interview, you believe me it was very painful. But he made a statement also that he can shake hands with me, but I will have to sack my Army. You see, it is a very big statement," added Malik.
However, the visiting minister asked for collective action from both sides to stop such incidents and maintain communal harmony across the border.