Pakistan Rejects Indian FM Remarks On Kashmir

Islamabad, Oct 22, IRNA – Pakistan has expressed disappointment at the comments by the Indian External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid, that Kashmir is an integral part of India and that New Delhi will not accept any intervention in its row with Pakistan on the issue. Khurshid told Indian NDTV on Sunday that India “in no way will accept any intervention as Kashmir is a part of India, not something that should be questioned. It is a waste of time to question it.” Khurshid's statement came after media reports quoted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as saying how he had sought for intervention from the US in 1999 on Kashmir. It said the Kashmir dispute is the core issue that remains unresolved between the two countries. “It is unfortunate that Indian leadership continues to refer to the state of Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of India, when the reality is clearly otherwise,” the FM statement said. The Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement as a member of the United Nations, India should not overlook or undermine the numerous UN Security Council resolutions on this issue. “While bilateral agreements may exist, the sanctity of the UN resolutions cannot be understated. The Kashmir dispute remains a fundamental component of the bilateral dialogue process and resolution of this dispute is vital for maintaining peace and security in the region.” He said India’s continued intransigence over this issue is counterproductive and is unhelpful in the efforts to resolve this dispute. “Pakistan remains committed to a purposeful, constructive and result-oriented dialogue with India and believes that serious efforts need to be made in maintaining a positive atmosphere and avoid negative propaganda,” the spokesman said. The statements came at a time when tensions escalated following exchange of fire by troops of both countries along the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir region. Pakistan’s state radio reported Monday that two Pakistanis were killed in the latest shelling by Indian forces. Both accuse each other of violation of the 2003 ceasefire./end