“Modi has made a futile attempt to dilute Kashmir issue by commenting on Balochistan”.
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Amid strain in ties with Pakistan, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Tuesday compared the neigbouring country to “hell” and asserted that it should stop human rights violations in Balochistan.
According to Business Standard, Jamil Maqsood, a Baloch leader and Central Secretary, Foreign Affairs of the United Kashmir People’s National Party, said that they welcome the statement by Narendra Modi. Indian reports say Mr Singh was snubbed by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and during the visit, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif publicly spoke of “the freedom movement” in Kashmir in remarks New Delhi believes were created to provoke India.
Indian-ruled Kashmir has witnessed violent protests since July 8, when security forces killed a field commander of Pakistan-based Islamist militant group Hizbul Mujahideen who enjoyed widespread support in the Muslim-majority region.
Responding to Modi’s remarks, Pakistan said his references to Balochistan and PoK were an attempt to divert world attention from the “grim tragedy” that has been unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir. After their initial offer of talks on Kashmir was rejected, they have again raised the ante and invited India for talks. So, does it mean that the Prime Minister is willing to sacrifice Kashmir for Balochistan’s freedom?
Two Indian army officers including a commanding officer were also wounded and were evacuated to an army hospital in Srinagar.
Strategists and foreign policy experts believe that this will strengthen India’s position considerably in the global arena and put Pakistan on the backfoot.
He asked whether the government would take it up now either in bilateral dialogue or at another worldwide forum.
Sanaullah Khan Zehri said that Indian prime minister had started issuing statements on Balochistan to get some vested political interests in his country.
Surjewala said the Prime Minister should immediately take stock of the alarming situation in Kashmir and provide the much required healing touch.
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Bhuvesh Chaudhary said seven paramilitary personnel were injured in the Nowhatta attack and three others in the second incident.
