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One State is using the terminology of jihad and promoting violence in India…… violence is no solution to the problems that all of us face…. matters relating to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution are entirely an internal matter of India….
New York City: After UN Security Council’s close door meeting on Friday, 16 August 2019, India’s Ambassador, Syed Akbaruddin said that all issues between India and Pakistan as well as India and any other country will be resolved bilaterally, peacefully and in a manner that beholds normal inter-State relations between countries.
Akbaruddin said that violence is no solution to the problems that all of face. We are committed to and are consistent with our previous position vis-a-vis Pakistan or any other country, he went on to underscore.
“We noted that two States (Pakistan and China), who made national statements tried to pass them off as the will of the international community,” underscored Akbaruddin.
Pakistan’s Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi earlier told journalists that “the voice of the people of the occupied Kashmir (will be heard) in the highest diplomatic forum of the world.” She also said the Security Council meeting “nullifies India’s claim that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter for India.”
In his stakeout with journalists after the Pakistan’s Ambassador had spoken to media-persons, Akbaruddin said: “You are all well versed in what and how the Security Council acts. I therefore need not tell you that the Security Council is a very deliberative organisation – institution. It works in a very considered manner. Its outcomes are provided to all of us through the President. So if national statements try to masquerade as the will of the international community, I thought I will come across you too and explain our national position. And what is that? Our national position was and remains that matters relating to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution are entirely an internal matter of India. We had no internal ramifications. The recent decisions taken by the Government of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, socio-economic development is enhanced for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Laddakh. You are aware this morning that the Chief Secretary of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir announced a whole set of measures that the government is undertaking to move towards normalcy. We are gratified that the Security Council in its closed consultations appreciated these efforts, acknowledged them, and indicated that this is the direction in which they would like the international community to move.
We are committed to gradually removing all restrictions. You are aware of the time-table for that. Let me also tell you – since the changes internal to India have not made any difference to our external orientation, India remains committed to ensure that the situation there remains calm and peaceful. We are committed to all the agreements that we have signed on this issue. We note that there were some who tried to project an alarmist approach to the situation, which is far from the ground reality. Of particular concern is that one State is using the terminology of jihad against and promoting violence in India, including by their leaders.
Pakistan had requested for the Security Council meeting on 13 August. Susequently, it was called by China, a Permament Member.
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