The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly responded to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s recent remarks about Kashmir, calling his statement that Kashmir is Pakistan’s “jugular vein” baseless.
At a press briefing in New Delhi on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed General Munir’s comment, stating, “How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein? This is a union territory of India. Its only relationship with Pakistan is the vacation of illegally occupied territories by that country.
Jaiswal also addressed Pakistan’s global image, saying that the country’s reputation as the epicenter of global terrorism remains unchanged. “Pakistan may try very hard, but its reputation as the epicenter of global terrorism will not diminish,” he added. He reminded Pakistan of the need to bring justice to the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, saying, “The extradition of Rana serves as a reminder to Pakistan that it needs to bring to justice other perpetrators whom it continues to shield.”
General Munir’s comments were made during his address at the Convention for Overseas Pakistanis, where he reiterated the concept of the two-nation theory, which led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947. He stated that Pakistanis should teach their children the differences between Hindus and Muslims, claiming that this was the foundation for the creation of Pakistan. “Our forefathers believed that we were distinct from Hindus in every possible way. Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our ambitions are different, and our thoughts are different. That is the foundation of the two-nation theory,” Munir said.
The exchange between India and Pakistan over Kashmir and the two-nation theory further adds to the long-standing diplomatic tension between the two nations. The MEA’s response marks a sharp rejection of Pakistan’s claims, especially in regard to Kashmir, which India considers an integral part of its territory.
