Pak high commissioner extends moral support to Kashmiri separatists

In yet another provocation just days ahead of the Indo-Pak foreign secretary level talks, the Pakistan High Commissioner on Thursday said his country extends “full diplomatic and moral support” for what he described as “legitimate struggle” of Kashmiris.

The remarks by Abdul Basit came as Pakistan celebrated its Independence Day.

“I would also like to reaffirm Pakistan’s full diplomatic and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their legitimate struggle which is enshrined in UN Charter and universal declaration of human rights,” he said.

Even though the stage for foreign secretary level talks has been set, ceasefire violations at the Line of Control by Pakistani troops have only increased. In the sixth ceasefire violation in the past five days, Pakistani troops fired at forward Indian posts along the Line of Control in Poonch district on Wednesday night.

Pakistan had on Wednesday dubbed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s accusation of it indulging in a proxy war against India as “baseless rhetoric”.

India hit back saying terrorism was a “core concern” in bilateral ties and all means available will be used to deal with the challenge. In a strong reaction, the external affairs ministry said the PM was articulating India’s concerns about terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and India will deal with it effectively as its “tool kit is not restricted in any manner”.