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BJP condemns Pak Army Chief's 'provocative, aggressive' comment on Kashmir

Questioning timing of statement, party said such statements amount to 'gross interference' in India

Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : May 01 2014 | 7:45 PM IST
BJP today slammed Pakistan Army Chief Raheel Sharif for terming Kashmir as "jugular vein" of his country and asked the civilian government there to ensure that such "provocative" and "aggressive" statements are avoided for peace in the region.

Questioning the timing of the statement, the party maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and such statements amount to "gross interference" in this country.

"The BJP condemns the provocative and aggressive comments made by the Army Chief General Raheel Sharif. It is for the civilian elected government of Pakistan to speak up in order that the region remains peaceful and help the development of all democracies around," BJP Spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said at a press conference.

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She said such an "uncalled for" statement by the Army Chief should be rejected comprehensively and asked the Pakistan government to focus its attention on building a peaceful Pakistan and not allow its Army to pose a threat to the peace in the region.

"BJP voices its concern that such statements do not help in building good neighbourhood. The elected civilian government of Pakistan should ensure that it focuses its attention on building a peaceful Pakistan and not allow its army to pose threat and issue alarm calls against peace in the region," she said.

Sitharaman said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the Indian Parliament has in no uncertain words stated and also passed a resolution in 1994 that the entire J&K inclusive of those parts which are under illegal occupation by Pakistan belong to India.

She said the remarks are "interfering" with the territory of India and the Pakistan government is remaining silent.

"It is important that the Pakistan authorities remember that the peace in this region cannot be affected by their hawkish uncalled for statements," she said.

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First Published: May 01 2014 | 7:45 PM IST

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