India reacts sharply, talks of liberating Pak-occupied Kashmir
India reacts sharply, talks of liberating Pak-occupied Kashmir
In a hugely provocative move, Pakistan on Sunday dedicated its Independence Day to Kashmir’s “freedom”. Speaking during Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations at the high commissions here, high commissioner Abdul Basit said Pakistan will continue to provide political, diplomatic and moral support to the people of Kashmir.
“As far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, we are dedicating this year’s Independence Day to the freedom of Kashmir. And we firmly believe that the sacrifices made by the people of Jammu and Kashmir will not go in vain. The ongoing unrest should be ended. Pakistan will continue to extend its full diplomatic, political and moral support to the valiant people of Jammu and Kashmir till they get their right to self determination,” Mr Basit said.
Reacting strongly to Mr Basit’s comments, the government said that the “only outstanding issue is how to liberate part of J&K which is under illegal occupation of Islamabad.”
“Our stand is very clear in the context of J&K issue. If at all there is any outstanding issue with Pakistan it is how to liberate the part of J&K which remains under illegal occupation of Islamabad after 60-65 years of Independence and make it a part of J&K and part of the Indian Union. Whatever goes on in Islamabad and on behalf of Pakistani authorities is reflection of confusion and frustration they suffer from,” MoS in Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh said.
Mr Basit on Saturday said that the political aspirations of the people of J&K cannot be suppressed no matter how much force is used and that the “freedom movement’’ in the state will reach its logical conclusion.
He added that while Pakistan wanted to improve ties with India, no one can “belittle’’ or ignore the “legitimate struggle’’ of the people of Kashmir and that the international community must ensure implementation of the relevant UN resolutions to settle the dispute.
“Today our nation faces several challenges, but no power can cause any damage to Pakistan. People who want to trouble Pakistan, they should know that our people, be it Muslim, Hindu or Sikh, we are together and will not hesitate to make any sacrifice for Pakistan’s well-being,” he added.
The BJP attributed Pakistan’s “provocative” remarks on Kashmir to its “frustration” after PM Narendra Modi targeted it over atrocities against people in PoK and Balochistan.
Mr Modi, while addressing at all-party meet on Kashmir on Friday, said that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was part of Kashmir along with Jammu and Ladakh and that the international community must discuss atrocities being committed on the people in Balochistan and PoK by Pakiatani security forces.
On Friday, India had snubbed Pakistan’s proposal to invite India for a dialogue on J&K, saying India would only discuss “contemporary and relevant” issues, which included stoppage of Pak-supported cross-border terrorism.
Meanwhile, India described as ''absurd’’ Pakistan’s proposal of sending supplies to J&K. In a strong reaction, ministry of external affairs said India has already received enough of “trademark exports” from that country including terrorism and infiltrators.
The reaction comes in wake of a note verbale from Pakistan’s foreign ministry on Friday, proposing to send supplies to J&K.
“A communication was apparently delivered to our high commission in Islamabad on August 12. I can only characterise its contents that propose sending supplies to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir as absurd. India and others in the region have already received enough of Pakistan’s trademark exports — international terrorism, cross-border infiltrators, weapons, narcotics and fake currency,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.
The reaction by India comes on the same day when Pakistani security forces violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch while at Wagah-Attari border Pakistani Rangers exchanged sweets with their Indian BSF counterparts.
