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"I did not expect that President Zardari would make a reference to Kashmir and once a reference from Pakistan at the highest level in the UN is made, then it is certainly the responsibility of India to state its stated position," External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said.
His comments came as Pakistan, reacting to Krishna's reference to Kashmir in his UNGA address, claimed that Jammu and Kashmir had never been an integral part of India and said Zardari's statement on the issue was "not unwarranted".
Krishna, in his address to the 193-member General Assembly, had said that "an unwarranted" reference to Jammu and Kashmir was made from the UN podium. "... We wish to make it abundantly clear that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India," he had said in his address.
Krishna today said his remark on Kashmir should be read in the right sequence.
"Read this (reference to Kashmir) in the sequence in which it emerges," he said, adding he had to respond to Zardari's speech.
Krishna added that he had not said anything new regarding Kashmir in his UNGA address.
"This is the position which India has taken over decades so I reiterated that position so that it would be some kind of response to what the President of Pakistan told this General Assembly," he said, adding that "nothing more" needs to be read to the statements on the issue either from him or Zardari.
When asked whether the issue of Kashmir being raked up at international fora like the UN could be an irritant to efforts being made by the two countries to normalise their ties, Krishna said, "We will continue our dialogue with Pakistan and the road map has been drawn and we will try to stick to the road map and let us see how it goes."
What else did India expect? Pakistan has always raised its voice against India whenever there was a chance. India should stop all negotiations with Pakistan till it stops such practice. Seems like Indian leaders have something personal to gain from by trying to normalize relations with Pakistan and furthering trade agreements between the two countries. Why would any nation tolerate this kind of statement?
I am actually surprised that India is still naive in its belief. The people who have been chosen to represent us in the UN are failing us to make it obvious to the rest of the World that J and K is part of India. Period. How come they are failing us? I thought their job among other things was just to say that J and K is non-negotiable part of India. I also want India to believe that just because it is not discussed, does not make it obvious it belongs to us. You have to say it loud and open! What is the problem? If you do not say it loudly to your enemies, they are ready to rake in and it is as simple as that. Put an end to this issue once and for all. Given the reality that our enemy is is in the dog house, India's position on J and K is more realistic and believable. Just do it!
Mr Zardari's comment at UN is not expected at all. This clearly shows too much friendship expected by our country is more harmful than remaining enemy always.We should respond in all the world forums about Pakistan's double talk and in encouraging terrorism.They should be taught a lesson strongly like Isreal who is bold and advanced in all spheres.
