New Delhi: India on Thursday dismissed Pakistan’s reaction that it had crossed the red line by referring to Balochistan, saying Pakistan had never recognised any red lines in its own policy by promoting terrorism.
On whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to Balochistan in his Independence Day speech constituted a policy shift, the ministry of external affairs indicated this may not completely be the case since even previously, the Indian government had made statements about the situation in Balochistan but conceded there was a “difference” this time that the messages of the people of Balochistan and PoK to PM Modi had “sufficiently moved him to share it with the people of India”.
Read: Modi crossed 'red line' by talking about Balochistan: Pakistan
MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that Modi was moved by the messages of gratitude he received from the people of Balochistan and PoK regarding his flagging the issue — at the recent All Party meet — of atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army in those areas, adding that he therefore shared this at his Independence Day address with the nation.
At the same time, he said, Modi also gave “certain instructions” on the next course of action but refused to divulge details or how those instructions will be implemented. “I cannot at this stage share with you. However, MEA will do what it has to because after all people of PoK are also our people,” he said.
Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria had earlier said, “It is the violation of the United Nations Charter... He (Modi) crossed the red line by talking about Balochistan,” adding that Pakistan will “forcefully” raise the Kashmir issue at the UN General Assembly session next month.
But India hit back with Swarup saying, “I find this extraordinary remark (Pakistani statement accusing India of crossing the red line by raking up the Balochistan issue) from a senior functionary of Pakistan that recognises no red lines in its own diplomacy.
Pakistan’s record of cross-border terrorism and infiltration is at the heart of the problems of the region today,” adding that “the world is aware that Pakistan has a long history of violence and terrorism against India, as also in the broader region”.
When asked about certain Baloch groups seeking recognition from India, the ministry of external affairs spokesperson said, “Don’t jump the gun.”
