India Responds to Pak Army Chief's Kashmir Remarks: How Can Anything Foreign Be Their Jugular Vein?
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Synopsis
India has strongly criticized Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir for calling Kashmir Islamabad's 'jugular vein,' asserting that Pakistan must vacate the illegally occupied region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the internal nature of the Waqf Bill amid Pakistan's unwarranted comments.
Key Takeaways
- India asserts Kashmir is a Union Territory.
- Pakistan's comments on Kashmir are rejected by India.
- The Waqf Bill is an internal matter for India.
- Pakistan is urged to focus on its own minority rights record.
- India emphasizes the need for Pakistan to vacate occupied territories.
New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) Criticizing Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir for labeling Kashmir as Islamabad's "jugular vein", India reiterated on Thursday that Pakistan continues to unlawfully occupy the region of Jammu and Kashmir, which it must relinquish.
"How can anything foreign be their jugular vein? This is a Union Territory of India. The only connection it has with Pakistan is the need for that country to vacate the illegally occupied territories," stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a regular media briefing.
During a gathering for Overseas Pakistanis, Munir urged attendees to remember that they are part of a "superior ideology and culture".
"You should certainly share Pakistan's narrative with your children. Our ancestors believed that we are distinct from Hindus in every aspect of life. Our religions, customs, traditions, thoughts, and aspirations are different. This was the foundation of the two-nation theory," he remarked.
"Our position is unequivocal, it was our jugular vein, it will remain our jugular vein, and we will not forget it," the Pakistani General added.
On Tuesday, the MEA also condemned Pakistan for making "motivated and baseless comments" regarding the Waqf Bill, pointing out Pakistan's "own abysmal record" in protecting minority rights.
"We categorically reject the motivated and baseless remarks made by Pakistan concerning the Waqf Amendment Act passed by the Indian Parliament. Pakistan has no standing to comment on a matter that is internal to India," stated the ministry in response to Pakistan's comments about the Waqf Bill.
"Pakistan would be better off examining its own dismal record in safeguarding minority rights rather than lecturing others," it continued.
Jaiswal emphasized on Thursday that the Waqf Bill is an internal issue for India.
"All aspects of the Waqf bill are internal matters of India. The Waqf Amendment bill introduces several inclusive policies aimed at making the Amendment more progressive, ensuring greater benefits for the intended beneficiaries," he stated during the weekly media briefing.
