New Delhi: India on Thursday lashed out at Pakistan for “inciting and supporting” terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and asked it to vacate its illegal occupation of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (POK).
In a sharp reaction over anti-India rallies and statements regarding the situation in Kashmir, the External Affairs Ministry said India strongly condemns encouragement and support to terrorists and their activities from Pakistan.
Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said Pakistan should ensure full safety and security of Indian officials and their families there.
“We have seen reports about rallies, events and statements related to Jammu and Kashmir in Pakistan and POK over the last two days. We have also noted that the events were led by UN- designated terrorists.
“India strongly condemns the encouragement and support which such terrorists and their activities receive from Pakistan. We once again ask Pakistan to stop inciting and supporting violence and terrorism in any part of our country and refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner,” the spokesperson said.
At least 43 people have died and more than 3,000 have been injured in the violence that erupted in Kashmir after the killing of 22-year-old terrorist Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8.
India has accused Pakistan of not only pushing in terrorists but also fanning discontent within the Valley by providing support to terrorist outfits in fomenting the recent trouble in Kashmir
Pakistan used Wani’s killing to needle India at the United Nations and issued statements where it accused India of atrocities in Kashmir. Pakistan also observed ‘Black Day’ on July 19 to express solidarity with the people of the Valley over the killing of Wani.
