Introduction
On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs firmly dismissed the references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement by China and Pakistan, labelling them as "unwarranted." The ministry reiterated that the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India and will always remain so. This response followed the June 7 joint statement where Pakistan briefed China on the latest developments in Jammu and Kashmir, sparking India's strong condemnation.
Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. (Source: Hindustan Times)
Sovereignty Issues and CPEC Projects
The Ministry of External Affairs also pointed out that the joint statement included mentions of activities and projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Some of these projects are located in areas that India claims as its sovereign territory but are currently under forcible and illegal occupation by Pakistan. This ongoing issue further complicates the already tense relations between the countries, emphasizing India's longstanding position on its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The Statement issued by MEA
“We have noted unwarranted references to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in the joint statement between China and Pakistan of 07 June 2024,” a statement issued by the MEA said. “We categorically reject such references. Our position on the issue is consistent and well-known to the concerned parties.”
“The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India. No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same,” it MEA pointed out.
“The same joint statement also mentions activities and projects under the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), some of which are in India's sovereign territory under forcible and illegal occupation by Pakistan,” it said.
"We resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimize Pakistan's illegal occupation of these territories, impinging on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," it added.
“The Chinese side reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements,” the joint statement had mentioned.
Recent attacks in Jammu
In a serious escalation of violence, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed three separate attacks within just three days, prompting heightened security measures across the region. Following a recent terrorist attack in Reasi, another wave of terror swept through the area, resulting in multiple security operations. In Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, an attack on a joint check post manned by the 4 Rashtriya Rifles and police led to an exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces, injuring three security personnel. This incident underscores the ongoing volatility and the urgent need for increased vigilance.
The recent surge in violence follows a devastating terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from the Shiv Khori temple to Katra in Reasi on Sunday, June 9, 2024. The attack caused the bus to plunge into a deep gorge, resulting in nine fatalities and injuring 41 others. This tragic incident has intensified security efforts and highlighted the persistent threat posed by terrorist activities in the region. In response, authorities have ramped up security measures, aiming to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of civilians and pilgrims alike.
In another brazen attack, terrorists opened fire on a joint checkpoint in the Chattergalla area along the Bhadarwah-Pathankot road late Tuesday night. This attack injured three security personnel and initiated an extensive manhunt for the perpetrators. Meanwhile, in Kathua district, security forces are actively pursuing a terrorist hiding in Saida Sukhal village, near the Koota Morhunder Hiranagar police station. Police, with the assistance of the CRPF, have cordoned off the area and are conducting a meticulous house-to-house search to locate the terrorist.
The escalating violence saw security forces eliminate a suspected Pakistani terrorist near the International Border (IB) on Tuesday evening, following an attack on a village that left a civilian injured. In Kathua district, another terrorist was neutralized by security forces, further emphasizing the severity of the situation. During the operation, a man named Omkar Nath and his wife were evacuated to a hospital. Nath, who suffered an arm injury, is reported to be in stable condition, while his wife remains unharmed. These operations highlight the ongoing efforts of security forces to combat terrorism and protect the residents of Jammu & Kashmir.
Saida Sukhal: When terrorists asked for water from house to house
The operation in Saida Sukhal commenced after two recently infiltrated terrorists made their presence known in the village late Tuesday evening on June 11, 2024. According to a police statement, the terrorists approached several houses asking for water, which aroused the suspicions of the villagers. The alert villagers promptly raised an alarm, leading to a chaotic situation as the terrorists fired randomly, injuring one person. This swift response from the villagers set the stage for a tense confrontation with the terrorists.
Responding to the villagers' alarm, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Hiranagar and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) quickly engaged the terrorists. During the ensuing gunfight, one of the terrorists attempted to lob a grenade at the police party but was neutralized in the process. This successful operation underscores the critical role of community vigilance and the prompt action of law enforcement in preventing further violence and ensuring the safety of the residents in Saida Sukhal.
Pakistan-India Ties
On August 5, 2019, Pakistan again downgraded its diplomatic relations with India in response to India's abrogation of Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Despite this, India has consistently expressed its desire for normal neighborly relations with Pakistan. However, India has also emphasized that the onus is on Islamabad to create an environment free from terror and hostility for any meaningful engagement to take place.
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