At least 64 people have died and thousands injured in clashes with security forces, denounced by Pakistan, which also claims the right to rule Jammu & Kashmir in a territorial dispute that dates back to partition in 1947. “Frankly, it’s for the benefit of the United States”, he said. The latest casualties came as security forces opened fire with automatic rifles, a step up from their earlier use of shotguns, whose pellets are meant to incapacitate but not kill. Locals say the shotguns have inflicted severe injuries, and even blinded, hundreds of people, among them innocent bystanders.
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“This time the people in Kashmir are on streets. But having said that, let me reassure viewers that the Indian forces, the government of India, the entire nation in fact is ready to face any kind of challenge or any kind of situation arising out of Pakistan perpetration of terrorism on the Indian soil”, Singh told ANI. It’s for the good of both countries; it’s for the good of the region. “We would encourage greater dialogue and counterterrorism cooperation between both Pakistan and India”. In a speech on Monday, Modi accused Pakistan of committing atrocities in its own province of Baluchistan, escalating a war of words that Islamabad said was meant to divert attention from the troubles in Indian-administered Kashmir.
India’s Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today described Pakistan as “hell”, asserting that yesterday, soldiers in Kashmir prevented five terrorists from crossing the border into India.
He also hit out at Pakistan, saying while rest of the region is with India in wanting a much more cooperative and connected South Asia, a “standout country’s” view and attitude towards terrorism as an instrument of policy of diplomacy makes it a “difficult partner” in the region. Police in the southern city of Bangalore filed the initial charges against Amnesty following complaints by a Hindu nationalist student organization whose members recorded the event.
“Now India will pay in the same coin”, Singh said.
“Without access, we can only fear the worst”, said Zeid.
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India and Pakistan have been engaged in a war of words over the statements by Islamabad on the situation in Kashmir which is witnessing a turmoil following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani last month. Indian government has long demanded that Islamabad arrest Saeed. Sedition carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, although convictions are rare.
