'Stop inciting Kashmir violence, leave PoK,' MEA slams Pak over 'Black Day'

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday sent a strong message to Pakistan and asked it to stop meddling in the internal affairs of India, while referring to the current unrest prevailing in Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani.

“We once again ask Pakistan to stop inciting & supporting violence, terrorism in any part of our country & refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner,” the MEA said in a statement.

The government condemned the decision of Nawaz Sharif-led government to observe July 20 as “Black Day”, to mourn the death of Burhan Wani. “The observance of 'Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day' exposes Pak's longing for the territory of J&K," the MEA said and demanded that Pakistan vacate its illegal occupation of POK.

Read: Pak is with Kashmir, cries Nawaz as country holds Black Day in 'solidarity'

“We have seen reports about rallies, events and statements related to Jammu & Kashmir in Pakistan and POK over the last two days. We have noted that events were led by UN-designated terrorists, who had in past protested elimination of dreaded terrorists,” the statement added.

"It must also stop misleading the international community and Kashmiris through meaningless exercises such as the so-called elections today in POK which Pakistan ironically calls ‘Azad’ (free)."

"In view of the threats of marches and protests at the High Commission of India in Islamabad, we ask the Government of Pakistan to ensure full safety and security of the High Commission, all its officials and their families in Pakistan,” the statement further added.

At least 43 people have died and more than 3,000 have been injured in the violence that erupted in Kashmir after the killing of 22-year-old terrorist Burhan Wani by security forces on July 8.

India has accused Pakistan of not only pushing in terrorists but also fanning discontent within the Valley by providing support to terrorist outfits in fomenting the recent trouble in Kashmir.

Pakistan used Wani's killing to needle India at the United Nations and issued statements where it accused India of atrocities in Kashmir. Pakistan also observed 'Black Day' on July 19 to express solidarity with the people of the Valley over the killing of Wani.