India warns Pak against interfering in Kashmir

NEW DELHI - India on Friday firmly rejecting Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s statement on Jammu and Kashmir issued a stern warning to Islamabad to stop infiltration and dismantle terror camps along the LoC.

“India firmly rejects gratuitous statements issued by Pakistan on Jammu and Kashmir, which amount to interference in the internal affairs of India. 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,” said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson in response to a question regarding the statement on Jammu and Kashmir by the Foreign Minister of Pakistan.

“This would be an important contribution towards safeguarding the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who suffer the consequences of terrorism fomented from across the Line of Control and the International Border. As a vibrant democracy, India has sufficient mechanisms and constitutional safeguards to address issues raised by its citizens in any part of the country,” he added.

India reiterates its commitment to resolving issues of mutual concern with Pakistan through dialogue and peaceful means.

“However, Pakistan must fulfill 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.

Reacting to the unrest in Kashmir valley, Pakistan has condemned the use of force by Indian security forces against Kashmiris protesting for a “just cause” and has urged the international community to chip in to solve the crisis.

“Gross and systematic abuse of human rights and Indian repression in Kashmir must end. Pakistan calls upon the Government of India to exercise restraint,” said Qureshi in a statement.

“Pakistan will continue to stand by the Kashmiris in their just cause. We urge the international community to take steps for safeguarding the human rights of Kashmiris,” he added.

Qureshi said that the indigenous movement in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) had gained a new momentum and urgency, as Kashmiris were unanimous in their demand for self-determination, adding that this sentiment and its firm determination was being reflected in the peaceful protests of the youth, women and all segments of civil society.

Calling the killing of the innocent Kashmiris, continued arrests and detention of the Kashmiri leaders “unacceptable,” he said that Pakistan was “committed to finding a just and peaceful resolution of the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and wishes and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.”

“Pakistan has sought early and full resumption of the dialogue process with India. Pakistan wants a constructive, sustained and result-oriented dialogue with India on all issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” he said. (ANI)