Don’t teach us democracy lessons: Krishna to Pak

Agencies

New York, 30 September 2010: India struck back at Pakistan for its Foreign Minister’s remarks in the UN General Assembly. A day after External Affairs minister S M Krishna said he was disappointed by S M Qureshi’s speech that criticised India for the violence in Kashmir, Krishna got tougher during his address at UN General Assembly, telling Pakistan to stay out of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

The two foreign ministers were due to meet in New York during their stay this past week and even shook hands at two places, but sources told CNN-IBN, Pakistan’s toughened posture on Kashmir made any bilateral meeting impossible. Krishna hit out at Pakistan and stressed J&K is an integral part of India. Mincing no words, the minister said Pakistan can’t teach India lessons in democracy -- a direct reaction to Qureshi’s speech.

 

Krishna said: “It is well known that many countries have deep rooted concerns about the growth and consolidation of militancy and terrorism in Pakistan. We share these concerns, particularly because J&K, which is an integral part of India, is the target of such Pakistan-sponsored militancy and terrorism.”

 

 

“Pakistan must fulfill its solemn commitment of not allowing territory under its control to be used for terrorism directed against India. Credible and firm action by Pakistan against terrorist groups operating from its soil is in the interest of the region as it is in Pakistan’s own interest,” he said.

 

The minister added: “Pakistan cannot impart lessons to us on democracy and human rights. 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 the two countries. We are neighbours, and as neighbours, we have an obligation to work together.”

 

Qureshi had earlier expressed his concern for Kashmir and the plight of Kashmiris saying their voices should be heard. “The J&K dispute is about the exercise of the right to self-determination by the Kashmiri people through a free, fair and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices. The human rights of the Kashmiri people must be respected and their voices heard to create an enabling environment for a peaceful solution of the longstanding J&K dispute,” he had said.