India on Tuesday issued a démarche to Pakistan for instigating cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, which had worsened the ongoing violence in the state. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit (pictured above) to communicate his objection on the subject, according to PTI.
Spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry Vikas Swarup said Jaishankar brought up the recent arrest of Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Bahadur Ali from North Kashmir. The démarche, or political initiative, said that Ali had confessed to training in LeT camps and infiltrating India. "He was, thereafter, in touch with an 'operations room' of LeT, receiving instructions to attack Indian security personnel and carry out other terrorist attacks in India," according to the démarche issued.
The LeT terrorist was arrested on July 25 with a range of weapons like an AK 47 rifle, grenades, a grenade launcher, live rounds, etc. Communication equipment from Pakistan and of international origin were also recovered from him, the démarche added.
The move to summon Basit came after Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made provocative statements on the ongoing unrest in the Valley. He referred to assassinated Hizbul Mujahideen commander Buhan Wani as a martyr and also made repeated calls for a plebiscite among Kashmiris. Tensions in Jammu and Kashmir continue for the 32nd straight day, with curfew-like restrictions still in place.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the situation in Kashmir, saying the the Centre will help improve matters "through development". He added that Kashmiris have the same freedom in the country as enjoyed by other Indians.
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