NEW DELHI: India has turned down Pakistan’s protest against the Indian decision to extend Articles 356 and 357 of the Constitution to occupied Kashmir, local newspapers reported. A formal Note to this effect is likely to be sent within a few days, the reports indicated.

These reports, based on official briefings, said that during the 40-minute meeting between Indian Prime Minister Shastri and the Pakistan High Commissioner, Mr. Arshad Hussain, yesterday [Dec 14] the prime minister told the envoy that the proposed extension of Articles 356 and 357 of the Indian Constitution to occupied Kashmir “was in no sense a departure from the policy hitherto pursed by the government”.

Mr. Shastri is also reported to have told Mr. Arshad that the decision taken by the Government of India “did not reflect any lack of desire on the part of the Government for friendly relations with Pakistan”.

The reports said that official circles in New Delhi reacted strongly to the Pakistan High Commission Press release. The High Commission yesterday released the text of Pakistan’s protest Note which was handed over to Indian Deputy High Commission in Pakistan recently.

Published in Dawn December 16th , 2014