Pakistan's comment on Kashmir reflect its continued attachment to terrorism: MEA

Reacting sharply to Pakistan's strong comments on Kashmir situation in the wake of killing of militant Burhan Wani, India today said it reflect its continued "attachment to terrorism and its usage as an instrument of State policy."

India also asked Pakistan to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbours.

"We have seen statements from Pakistan on the situation in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. They reflect Pakistan's continued attachment to terrorism and its usage as an instrument of State policy.

"Pakistan is advised to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbours," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

India's reaction came after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who has been under attack from the opposition for remaining "silent" over the killing of protesters in Kashmir, issued a statement expressing "shock" at Wani's killing.

"The Prime Minister of Pakistan has expressed his deep shock at the killing of Kashmiri leader Burhan Wani and many other civilians by the Indian military and paramilitary forces," Sharif's office said in the statement.

Sharif said it was "deplorable that excessive and unlawful force was used against the civilians" who were protesting against the killing of Wani.

"Oppressive measures such as these cannot deter the valiant people of Jammu and Kashmir from their demand of exercising their right to self-determination in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions," he added.

Yesterday, Pakistan Foreign Office had issued a statement condemning continued "killing of innocent Kashmiris".

"The extra-judicial killing of Kashmiri leader Wani and scores of other innocent Kashmiris is deplorable and condemnable. Such acts are a violation of fundamental human rights of Kashmiris and cannot deter the people of Jammu and Kashmir from their demand for the realisation of the right to self determination," it had said.

Wani, who was killed in an encounter with the security forces last week, was the commander of Kashmiri militant group Hizbul Mujahideen.