(Image source from: sentinelassam.com)

Lok Sabha has been informed that several countries agreed that the matters related to Jammu and Kashmir are internal to the country following proactive outreach by the government in the backdrop of the decision to revoke Article 370 of the constitution by the Ministry of External Affairs.

In a written reply, the ministry told Lok Sabha, “Consequent to government’s proactive outreach and briefing to the members of the international community on the facts relating to Jammu and Kashmir, countries have shown understanding that matters related to Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India” on Wednesday. The MEA said that, these countries have called on Pakistan to not allow its territory to be used for terrorism in any manner.

The ministry stated that, “ they have acknowledged that issues, if any, between India and Pakistan should be addressed bilaterally and peacefully.”

In a reply, the MEA claimed, “ As a result of the government’s efforts, Pakistan’s attempts to interfere in internal affairs of India; to present an alarmist situation of the region; and its abuse of international fora including United Nations, have been successfully and effectively thwarted.”

Pakistan foreign minister announced a decision to establish ‘Kashmir cell/desks’ in Pakistan’s foreign office and missions abroad on August 17, 2019 whose main objective is to incite local people and to radicalise them through false propaganda, claimed MEA. The other countries have been urged by the government to realise the dangers posed by the so-called ‘Kashmir cells’ which openly incite violence and to take appropriate action against such cells operating from their soil.

The MEA points out saying that the government has taken note of the statements made by Malaysia, China and Turkey on Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral part of India has been the consistent position of the government conveying that these countries are expected not to comment on the internal affairs of India, respect India’s sovereign and territorial integrity, and develop proper understanding of the issue.

Pakistan’s flagrant misrepresentation of facts and fabricated narratives at international fora, including at the United Nations has been categorically and unequivocally rejected by India, according to the written reply.

The hate speech made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan which justified terrorism and held out nuclear threats was delivered by the Indian delegation, in its Right of Reply delivered at the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2019. Members of the international community on Pakistan’s false propaganda and its continued aid and abetment to cross-border terrorism against India, including in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been briefed by the government.

By Shrithika Kushangi