Indian PM assails Pakistan in Independence Day address

Modi is trying to divert world’s attention from Kashmir, claims Aziz


Reuters/news Desk August 15, 2016
Modi criticised people in Pakistan for celebrating when what he called terrorist attacks were launched on Indian soil PHOTO: REUTERS

In his annual Independence Day address to the nation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Pakistan of committing human rights violations in Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian premier said people of the areas had thanked him for drawing attention to their troubles, according to NDTV. Last week, Modi had accused Pakistan of fomenting trouble in Indian-occupied Kashmir  and had warned Pakistan that it would have to answer for rights violations in Balochistan and Azad Kashmir.

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During his speech, he also criticised people in Pakistan for rejoicing when what he called terrorist attacks were launched on Indian soil. "They glorify terrorists who attack us," he said, recalling that India "cried with sorrow" when nearly 130 children were killed in a ruthless massacre by Taliban in Peshawar two years ago.

Avoiding any direct mention of the month-long protests in Indian-held Kashmir, Modi criticised Pakistan for its support of 'terrorism'. "What kind of life is this, inspired by terrorism? What kind of government setup is it that is inspired by terrorism? The world will know about it and that's sufficient for me."

As Modi delivered his speech in New Delhi, two armed militants attacked a police station in Indian-held Kashmir on Monday, police said. The gunmen were unable to take control of the police station in the old city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-held Kashmir, but did wound six police reservists in the attack.

Pakistan to account for violations in Balochistan: Modi



Operations were continuing against the attackers, who were holed up in a nearby building, police said. No further details were immediately available and there was no claim of responsibility.

Separately, the Indian Army said it had foiled an attempt to infiltrate two militants from Pakistan into India. The two men were killed in the Uri sector of the de facto border between the neighboring countries in North Kashmir.

Kashmir has witnessed violent protests since the July 8 killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani with 54 people killed and several thousand wounded in clashes with security forces.

Modi is trying to divert world’s attention from Kashmir: Aziz

Meanwhile, responding to Modi’s Independence Day speech, Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said the Indian premier was trying to divert world’s attention from Indian atrocities in the occupied Kashmir.

“Thousands of unarmed youth are protesting every day for their right of self-determination. More than 70 innocent Kashmiris have been killed and more than 6000 injured. There is constant curfew and complete media blackout for the past 37 days,” Aziz said in a statement.

“Prime Minister Modi’s reference to Balochistan, which is an integral part of Pakistan, only proves Pakistan’s contention that India through its main intelligence agency RAW, has been fomenting terrorism in Balochistan,” the adviser added.

COMMENTS (62)

RAIS AKBAR | 7 years ago | Reply All fans of Mr. Modi, please Google "Top 10 criminals of the world" and enjoy Modi as one in the list.
Asad | 7 years ago | Reply @dave: Giggle for your PM who is a mass murderer!
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