India Foreign Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup. Fred Dufour—AFP
New Delhi claims Islamabad’s show of solidarity with Kashmiris incites violence and terrorism in India-administered Kashmir.
India lashed out at Pakistan on Thursday, accusing its rival of “supporting terrorism” after it held a day of solidarity with Kashmir following deadly violence in the disputed region.
At least 45 people have been killed in clashes in India-administered Kashmir following the death of popular young rebel commander Burhan Wani in a gunfight with security forces on July 8. Tensions flared after Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced a “black day” to show solidarity with Kashmir residents living under Indian rule.
Thousands of people marched in cities across Pakistan on Wednesday to protest against the recent violence, chanting slogans condemning Indian rule and the actions of security forces.
“We once again ask Pakistan to stop inciting and supporting violence and terrorism in any part of our country and refrain from its deplorable meddling in our internal affairs in any manner,” Vikas Swarup, a spokesman for India’s foreign ministry told reporters. New Delhi also complained of Islamabad’s inaction over “U.N.-designated terrorists” who were seen leading protests.
They include firebrand Pakistani cleric Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of deadly attacks in Mumbai in 2008. “India strongly condemns the encouragement and support which such terrorists and their activities receive from Pakistan’s state,” Swarup said in New Delhi.
Large parts of India-administered Kashmir have been under curfew for nearly two weeks and authorities have imposed a sweeping clampdown on media and the Internet.
Burhan Wani was the commander of the region’s biggest separatist group Hizbul Mujahideen, one of several fighting for decades against Indian troops deployed in the territory. The clashes are the deadliest in Muslim-majority Kashmir since 2010 when massive demonstrations were held against Indian rule.