In a statement, Mr Basit said, “As far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, we dedicate this independence day to the independence of Kashmir”.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday came out openly in support of “freedom” for Balochistan and “Pakistan occupied Kashmir”.
India’s reaction came on a day when Pakistani forces violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Attired in his trademark half sleeves kurta and sporting a Rajasthani turban, Modi devoted bulk of his address on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day to presenting in effect a report card of his government’s work particularly in boosting economic growth, ease of doing business and welfare schemes for the poor and farmers. And we firmly believe that the sacrifices made by the people of Jammu and Kashmir will not go in vain. “There can not be any compromise on national security but we have to win confidence of people in J&K”, he said.
However, he said no one can “belittle” or wish away the “legitimate struggle” of the Kashmiri people and it was incumbent upon the worldwide community to ensure implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions to settle the dispute.
14th August is the national holiday in Pakistan and commemorates the day when Pakistan achieved independence and was declared a sovereign nation following the end of the British Raj in 1947. “People who want to trouble Pakistan, they should know that our people, be it Muslim, Hindu or Sikh, we are together and will not hesitate to make any sacrifice for Pakistan’s well-being”, he said.
Regarding dialogue, India responded saying a discussion on “contemporary and relevant issues”, like cross-border terror, were welcome.
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“Terrorism is the basis of tension in Kashmir and it is being supported by a neighbour”, Modi told an all-party meeting convened to find ways to defuse tension in the Kashmir Valley. This, he said, was in contrast to the way Indians reacted with sorrow when terrorists slaughtered school children in Peshawar.
