New Delhi/Nagpur /Leh, Aug 18 (ANI): The Indian government as well as Muslim clerics on Monday reacted sharply to Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit's invitation to Kashmiri separatist leaders for talks in New Delhi. The controversy comes ahead of India-Pakistan secretary-level talks scheduled to be held on August 25 in Islamabad. The talks between separatist leaders and Basit will take place on August 18-19. Criticizing the move by Basit, junior minister in Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Jitendra Singh, called the event unfortunate, especially as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is putting in efforts for better relations between the two countries. RSS leader Virag Pachpore resonated Singh's views. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi condemned the invite by Pakistan and blamed Modi for being a mute spectator to Pakistan's activities. Meanwhile, a Muslim cleric, Mufti Mukkaram, said the talks should not be halted due to any reason and both the countries should work towards maintaining good relations.