Pakistani Prime Minister Condemns Indian Security Forces' Operation In Kashmir

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday condemned the recent operation of the Indian security forces in the region of Kashmir and the "killings of innocent Kashmiri."

NEW DELHI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd October, 2018) Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday condemned the recent operation of the Indian security forces in the region of Kashmir and the "killings of innocent Kashmiri."

According to the Pakistani media, nine local residents died on Sunday and at least 50 were injured in clashes with Indian forces in Kashmir's Kulgam district.

"Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris in IOK [Indian-occupied Kashmir] by Indian security forces. It is time India realised it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN SC resolutions & the wishes of the Kashmiri people," Khan said on Twitter.

The spokesman for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs described Khan's remarks as "deeply regrettable."

"Instead of making comments on India's internal affairs, Pakistan leadership should look inwards and address its own issues. Pakistan would serve the interest of the people of the region by taking credible action against all kind of support to terrorism and terror infrastructure from all territories under its control rather than supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours.

Pakistan's deceitful stand on dialogue, while supporting terror and violence, stands exposed to the whole world," Raveesh Kumar said in a statement.

According to Indian media reports, the Indian forces killed three terrorists, but then clashed with the local residents who rushed to the site. An unexploded shell was left on the ground and the blast rocked the premises after the operation was over.

Schools and colleges were closed in Kashmir on Monday and train services in the area were suspended as part of a region-wide strike, the NDTV broadcaster reported.

The Jammu and Kashmir region has been disputed between India and Pakistan since the end of the British rule in 1947. Following several armed conflicts, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire in 2003. Since then, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating the truce, with the continued instability in the region leading to the emergence of various extremist groups.