Amid the continuing unrest in Kashmir, India on Wednesday asked Pakistan to stop cross-border terror activities and asserted it will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national security and territorial integrity, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
The government told parliament that terrorism emanating from territories under Pakistan’s control remained India’s “core concern” and that the Pathankot attack and strikes in various places in Kashmir have highlighted the continued threat of cross-border terrorism and infiltration.
“In response to Pakistan’s recent statements in support of known terrorists killed in India, the government has asked Pakistan to stop all terrorism and anti-India activities in Pakistan or territories under its control,” Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh said replying to a question in the Lok Sabha.
He said Pakistan has been told that it cannot be in denial on the impact of terrorism on the bilateral ties, and it must expeditiously bring to justice all those guilty of Mumbai terror attack as well as of the Pathankot strike.
The minister said the government remained continuously vigilant and “firm” in its resolve to take all necessary steps to effectively safeguard India’s security and territorial integrity.
Singh said Pakistan has been in “illegal and forcible” occupation of approximately 78,000 sq kms of Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir.
“China continues to be in illegal occupation of approximately 38,000 sq kms in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
“In addition, under the so-called ‘Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement of 1963’, Pakistan illegally ceded 5180 sq kms of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China,” he said.