Pakistan must rein in terrorism, top Indian official tells UN

India’s Foreign Minister issued a call from the General Assembly podium today for Pakistan to fulfil its commitment of not allowing its territory to be used by terrorists acting against India.

In particular, S. M. Krishna said at the annual high-level debate, Jammu and Kashmir, “which is an integral part of India, is the target of such Pakistan-sponsored militancy and terrorism.”

The princely state was split between India and Pakistan after they won independence from the United Kingdom in 1947.

The UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has been deployed to observe a ceasefire in disputed Jammu and Kashmir since 1949.

“Pakistan cannot impart lessons to us on democracy and human rights,” Mr. Krishna stated.

“If, however, Pakistan were to live up to its commitment not to allow use of its soil by terrorists acting against India, this would significantly help reduce the trust deficit that impedes the development of better bilateral relations between our two countries.”

The Foreign Minister said that as neighbours, the two countries have an obligation to work together.

“The peoples of South Asia share a common destiny and my Government has consistently stressed that we will work together with our South Asian brothers and sisters to build a future that brings prosperity and development through strengthened dialogue and cooperation,” he added.

Yesterday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister told the Assembly that his country is willing to engage in a dialogue with India to find an “amicable” solution to the dispute over Kashmir, which he noted is one of the oldest on the agenda of the United Nations.

He reaffirmed his country’s solidarity with the Kashmiri people, urging the international community to persuade India “to end its repression in Kashmir.”

Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi also voiced concern over the prevailing situation in Indian-administered Kashmir, where he said more than 100 Kashmiris have been killed by Indian security forces over the past two months.

Last week, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an immediate end to violence in Kashmir after recent deadly clashes.

“The Secretary-General regrets the latest loss of life,” his spokesperson Martin Nesirky told reporters in response to questions. “He calls for an immediate end to violence and urges calm and restraint by all concerned.”