India on Friday rejected Pakistan “gratuitous remark” on Jammu and Kashmir, saying it was an interference in its internal affairs. It asked Islamabad to fulfil its commitment against terror.
“Pakistan should take credible and effective action against infiltration from across the Line of Control and dismantle the terror infrastructure that exists in the territory under its control,” the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said in response to remarks by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
“This would be an important contribution towards safeguarding the welfare of the people of J&K, who suffer the consequences of terrorism fomented from across the Line of Control and the International Border,” the spokesperson said.
‘Sufficient mechanisms'
As a vibrant democracy, India had sufficient mechanisms and constitutional safeguards to address issues raised by its citizens in any part of the country. It reiterated its commitment to resolving issues of mutual concern with Pakistan through dialogue and peaceful means.
However, “Pakistan must fulfil its solemn commitment of not allowing territory under its control to be used for terrorism directed against India in any manner. This would be in the interest of Pakistan and of the international community,” the spokesperson said.
Call for restraint
Anita Joshua reports from Islamabad:
For the second time this week, Pakistan on Friday called upon India to exercise restraint in “India occupied Kashmir” and urged the international community to take steps for safeguarding the human rights of Kashmiris.
It also sought early and full resumption of the dialogue process with India. Pakistan wanted a constructive, sustained and result-oriented dialogue on all issues, including the Kashmir dispute.
Pakistan's call to the international community to intervene comes in the wake of criticism within about Islamabad's failure to mobilise world opinion on the “deteriorating situation” in Kashmir.
There is also a widespread opinion in Islamabad that the situation in Kashmir has not generated adequate reportage in the international media.
The statement issued by the Foreign Office on behalf of Mr. Qureshi takes serious note of the “deteriorating” situation in Kashmir, maintaining that the “indigenous movement in “India occupied Kashmir” has gained a new momentum and urgency.
“The Kashmiris are unanimous in their demand for self-determination. This sentiment and its firm determination is being reflected in the peaceful protests of youth, women and all segments of civil society,” it said.
Condemning the “blatant use” of force by Indian security forces, Pakistan said the killing of innocent Kashmiris, continued arrests and the detention of Kashmiri leaders were unacceptable. “Gross and systematic abuse of human rights and Indian repression in Kashmir must end.”
Reiterating support for the Kashmiris in their “just cause,” the statement said Pakistan was committed to finding a fair and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions and wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiris.
This is the second time this week that Pakistan has issued an official statement on Kashmir. The last statement of Tuesday — a day after 15 people were killed — urged India to give up its policy of “violence” against the Kashmiri people and “procrastination” towards their demand for self-determination.
U.N. intervention
Meanwhile, the former Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has urged the United States to play a positive role in resolving all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, including Kashmir. He sought this intervention during a meeting with U. S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke.
Mr. Sharif also held Kashmir-related discussions with a delegation of the Azad Jammu & Kashmir wing of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.
According to the Kashmir Media Service, the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) chief told the delegation that the masses of Pakistan were with the people of J&K and added that the current movement in “occupied Kashmir” was an eye-opener for the entire world.
