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P.R. No.721/2005

Date: 27/12/2005

When attention was drawn to a statement by the spokesman of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs commenting on law and order situation in Baluchistan alleging violence and military action in the province, the spokesperson rejected the Indian statement as unwarranted and baseless. Suggesting that the statement was tantamount to meddling in internal affairs, the spokesperson stated that India often shows an unacceptable proclivity to interfere in internal affairs of its neighbours. Such tendency is contrary to efforts aimed at building an environment of trust, peace and stability in South Asia.

The statement is all the more surprising from the spokesman of India, a country that has long tried to suppress the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people and has a record of systematic and serious human rights violation in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The heavy handed methods and use of force by India to quell the ongoing unrest especially in the North East of the country and the widespread violence afflicting many of its parts are well known and need no comment.

We are also intrigued by this provocative statement at this time when the two countries are engaged in the peace process to address all issues including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The statement tends to vitiate the current atmosphere of improved relations that accords with the wishes of the peoples of the two countries.

Islamabad

December 27, 2005