Shiv Sena, which has been vehemently protesting against any cultural and sporting ties with the neighbouring country and opposed the presence of many Pakistani artists in India, has lauded Modi-Sharif meet in Paris. The Shiv Sena has on Wednesday approved the brief meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN climate summit in Paris and said that the ball is now in Islamabad's court to take the next step in bringing an end to the hostility between the two neighbours.

"It's a basic protocol when two Prime Ministers meet. Prime Minister Modi showed true Indian spirit and displayed our culture by having a civil meeting, but now it is up to Pakistan to see how they take ahead this new development," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said. "You can be as nice as you can with Pakistan and can say sweet things, but in return you must expect them to spew venom," Raut said.

Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna has lauded Prime Minister Modi's 'tolerance' for shaking hands with Sharif and said, "Modi has shown huge tolerance by shaking hands with Sharif. Even if the other (party) raises hand, we should fold, ours. This is our tolerance and Modi has displayed it. Modi is doing whatever he can, to bring good days to the country and he is touring and flying on a massive scale for the same."

Earlier Shiv Sena voraciously protested against the proposed India – Pakistan Cricket match and wrote in its mouth piece, "It seems as if the 26/11 was not a bloodshed and Pakistan had sent its cricket team who made a double century by killing innocent people and 20 policemen. It looks like Sri Lanka has been chosen to award Kasab and his team with medals."

By Premji