Pakistan painting Kashmir as ‘alarming’ gets no global support, says MEA
Live MintNew Delhi: Pakistan’s attempts to paint an alarmist picture over its ties with India, after New Delhi revoked provisions of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, have not succeeded in securing the support of the international community, the Indian foreign ministry said on Friday. Islamabad also said that it would take New Delhi’s action to the United Nations, celebrate its Independence Day on 14 August in solidarity with the Kashmiris, and mark India’s Independence Day on the following day as a “Black Day.” On Thursday, Islamabad had also decided to discontinue the bi-weekly Samjhauta Express connecting the two countries. They feel that development activities and the overall welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir will nullify their justification for cross-border terrorism,” Indian foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters. Responding to a question on international reaction to India’s move, Kumar said: “It is clear that the attempt by Pakistan to present an alarming picture of the situation and also linking unrelated issues to the sovereign matter of India has not succeeded anywhere.” Pakistan felt that “they will not be able to incite separatist activities, they will not be able to support terrorism, they will not be able to mislead people,” Kumar said, adding that in an address to the nation on Thursday evening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had outlined a vision of hope for Kashmir that included development and increased economic activity.