India and Pakistan claim the entire territory of Kashmir as their own, but based on an agreement in 1947, they use the heavily militarized Line of Control (LoC) to divide the Himalayan region between themselves. The letter addressed to the President of the Security Council and Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin has details of a 10 metre high wall along the almost 200 kilometre border.
Advertisement
The arranged boundary, as indicated by Pakistan, was to change over the LoC “into a semi-border”. India did not immediately react directly to the allegation on the alleged wall plan but described the contents of two letters written by Lodhi on September 4 and 9 as “contradictory”.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters here yesterday that India is aware of the two letters that have been written.
Pakistan should expect a befitting reply from India over the contentious Kashmir issue if it tries to raise the topic at the UN General Assembly. “At the appropriate time we will respond to this”.
The main letter dated September 4 expresses that there was no dialogue.
The second letter is reportedly based on the “submission” of chief of the terror outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Sayeed Salahuddin.
Mr Swarup gave no comments regarding the alleged wall but stated, “Has any action been taken by the United Nations on these letters?” That is the first question. If there is action taken by the United Nations we will respond appropriately. Over the years, Pakistan has made a substantial contribution to the United Nations efforts in carrying out its primary responsibility for the maintenance of worldwide peace and security, as a leading participant in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.
Advertisement
Both Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are due to stay at the same hotel in New York during the meeting of world leaders this month, leading some media to speculate the two would meet.
