New Delhi: India has asked Pakistan to vacate Indian territory under its ‘illegal and forcible’ occupation. This demand came from Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, hours after Pakistan reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interview with US-based popular podcaster and computer scientist Lex Fridman on Sunday. Jaiswal was clearly referring to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
In the interview that lasted over three hours, Modi had said that all his efforts to to broker peace with Pakistan has failed. He referred to how he had invited then Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony, hoping for better relations between the two countries.
However, “Every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal. I just hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace.” Modi said.
Saying that Pakistan has emerged as the ‘epicentre’ of terror’ and the world now knows where the roots of terrorism lie, Modi added that Pakistan has not only caused immense suffering to India but other countries in the world.
“Even the people of Pakistan long for peace because they also must be tired of living in strife, unrest, and relentless terror where even innocent children are killed and countless lives are destroyed,” the Indian PM said.
Pakistan’s foreign office called Modi’s statements misleading and one-sided, ‘conveniently overlooking’ the Jammu & Kashmir dispute.
Pakistan also accused India of fomenting instability in its own territory and carrying out ‘state-sanctioned oppression’ in Jammu & Kashmir. It alleged that India was involved in ‘orchestrating targeted assassinations, subversion, and terrorism in foreign territories.’
The country’s foreign office also claimed that Pakistan has always advocated the need for constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, particularly the Kashmir dispute. It also accused India of holding peace and stability in South Asia hostage through its ‘rigid approach and hegemonic ambitions.’
Jaiswal reacted by saying: “We note that Pakistan has once again made some comments about the Indian Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The world knows that the real issue is Pakistan’s active promotion and sponsorship of cross-border terrorism. In fact this is the biggest roadblock to peace and security in the region. Instead of spreading lies, Pakistan should vacate Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation.”
