India refrains from reacting to Pakistan’s statement
By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Dec 28: A day after expressing concern at Pakistan army’s alleged high-handedness in Balochistan, India on Wednesday declined to join issue with Pakistan which has reacted sharply to the comments.
“A counter reaction? No. I think I made the point that I had to,” India’s foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna was quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI) as saying when he was asked to comment on Islamabad’s statement.
New Delhi had noted with “concern” the spiralling violence in Balochistan and heavy military action there and asked Pakistan to “exercise restraint”.
Mr Sarna had asked Pakistan to address the grievances of the people of the region through peaceful discussions.
In response to India’s comments on the situation in Balochistan, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said it was “unwarranted” and accused New Delhi of interfering in its internal affairs and “contrary” to efforts aimed at bringing peace and stability in South Asia.
The war of words has re-surfaced after several months and comes barely three weeks before the foreign secretaries meeting.
