Pakistan sought to escalate tension over Kashmir on Sunday, issuing a statement that called Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani, a “Kashmiri leader” and accusing Indian forces of “extrajudicial killings.”
“The extrajudicial killing of Kashmiri leader Burhan Wani and scores of other innocent Kashmiris is deplorable and condemnable. Such acts are a violation of the fundamental human rights of the Kashmiris,” said a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Sunday, highlighting the “centrality of the Kashmir issue to Pakistan.”
The Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment on the unusually strong statement.
Venkaiah slams protestersHowever, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu told reporters: “Kashmir is an integral part of India. There is no question of any negotiation and discussion on that.” He also criticised the protesters in Kashmir and their supporters.
“Really surprised that some people are trying to support those so-called protesters who are sympathising with a terrorist,” the Minister said.
Pakistan’s concerted effort to internationalise the Kashmir issue prompted India in June to assert that Islamabad “is needlessly trying to internationalise the issue.”
India’s comments came after Islamabad organised a global conference on Kashmir, in which Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain declared that India was “running away from talks.”
