International security

Pakistan Escalates War of Words With India Over Kashmir

The war of words has, once again, escalated between India and Pakistan, and as usual Kashmir is the focal point. In his address earlier this week to the Home Ministers Conference of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries in Islamabad, Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh raised the issue of Pakistani support for terrorism on foreign soil, arguing that “One country’s terrorist cannot be a martyr or freedom fighter for anyone.”

“I also speak for the entire humanity — not just for India or other SAARC members — in urging that in no circumstances should terrorists be eulogized as martyrs,” Singh continued.

Last month, the Pakistani government declared July 19 a “black day” in memory of the slain Hizbul militant Burhan Wani and the Pakistani prime minister did some grandstanding by declaring at a rally, “We are waiting for the day (when) Kashmir becomes (a part of) Pakistan.” Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj promptly hit back, accusing Sharif of advancing the “despicable design” of destabilizing South Asia by exporting “dirty money and dangerous terrorists.” New Delhi was making it clear that sections of the Pakistani establishment can dream on but the country has no locus standi on the issue.