NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan continued their wordy duel on
Sunday, with one side underscoring the importance of Jammu and Kashmir
to its existence and the other pouring scorn about alleged terrorism
emanating from its neighbourhood.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner in New Delhi Abdul Basit made a series of comments about independence of Kashmir.
“As
far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, we dedicate this independence
day to the independence of Kashmir,” Mr Basit said at the flag-hoisting
ceremony at the mission on Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Indian reports claimed his comments came within hours of “two ceasefire violations and a terror attack in Kashmir’s Poonch”.
Basit says political aspirations of Kashmiris cannot be suppressed
The Indian side used the opportunity to change the focus.
“India and others in the region have already received enough of
Pakistan’s trademark exports — international terrorism, cross-border
infiltrators, weapons, narcotic and fake currency,” alleged a statement
from the external affairs ministry, citing an “apparent” Pakistani
proposal to send supplies to Jammu and Kashmir.
Two days
ago, Pakistan had suggested an exclusive dialogue with India on Kashmir
after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said Azad Kashmir belonged to
India.
The Indian premier had said the foreign ministry
should get in touch with expatriates from Azad Kashmir, gather
information from them on “the pitiable condition in the region and let
the global community know about it”.
At the
flag-hoisting ceremony, Mr Basit stressed that political aspirations of
the people of India-held Kashmir could not be suppressed, nor could
anyone belittle or wish away their legitimate struggle, according to APP
news agency.
He called upon the international community
to ensure implementation of the relevant UN resolutions in order to
settle the longstanding Kashmir dispute.
The high
commissioner said Pakistan would continue to extend its full diplomatic,
political and moral support to the valiant people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the people of Pakistan were united in their
efforts to overcome internal and external challenges and thwart all
conspiracies aimed at destabilising the country.
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