New Delhi, Sep 9 (PTI) Amid reports of Pakistan’s plans to raise the Kashmir issue at the UN Human Rights Council, the Congress on Monday said with what face will that country talk about Kashmir after releasing JeM chief Masood Azhar, who is issuing threats to Indian security forces.
The Congress’s attack on Pakistan came after reports that Islamabad has released Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar to carry out terror attacks in India.
Asserting that Pakistan has “no locus standi” on Kashmir, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said that after what Pakistan has done by changing the status of Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), how can it raise a finger at India.
“Pakistan has nothing to do with whatever happens within India. Whatever happens in India is our issue. We are in the Opposition, so we can criticise the government, but we are united outside the country and will never yield even an inch to Pakistan,” he said on the sidelines of a party event here.
Asked about Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s plans to raise rights issues in Jammu and Kashmir following abrogation of its special status, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, “As we speak, Maulana Masood Azhar is issuing threats to the Indian forces and openly advising security forces to attack our security forces. With what face will the Pakistani foreign minister speak to the UNHRC about anything on Kashmir.”
“Pakistan stands exposed all over again today with Masood Azhar’s release and his statements. The entire international community will have to understand what is Pakistan’s real face and what is its role on the Kashmir issue. And how Pakistan says something else overseas and acts differently,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tharoor, while speaking with reporters, also criticised the government over restrictions and detention of politicians.
Farooq Abdullah has been detained and he was not allowed to participate in the parliamentary debate, people do not have telephones, internet, parents are scared to leave their children at school as they would not have any information if something happens, Tharoor said, adding that none should be subjected to such a life.
“We are with the government at the UNHRC, but such type of things cannot be allowed in the country,” he said.
