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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Foreign Office on Thursday strongly reacted to a statement issued by Indian Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and said Kashmiris were freedom fighters who were carrying out their movement from an occupied territory and not separatists.
Speaking to media representatives during the weekly briefing in Islamabad, FO spokeswoman Tasnim Aslam said Jaitley's statement was "unacceptable for Pakistan".
Jaitley had on Wednesday said that Pakistan must make a "conscious choice of peace" and decide whether it wanted to talk to the Indian government or the Hurriyat leaders.
The spokeswoman added that Pakistan was sincere when it came to a dialogue with India, saying dialogue with India is not a favor, but a necessity for peace and development in South Asia.
Responding to a question, she said Pakistan does not want to stop trade between India and Afghanistan through its territory.
Referring to the Indian leadership's statement in condemnation of the Wagah border post attack, Aslam said no condemnation or condolence message had been received through official channels.
She added that US Ambassador Richard Olson had been apprised of Pakistan's reservations against a report recently issued by the Pentagon.
Aslam said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would be leaving for Beijing tomorrow and will also particpate in the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
He added that premier Sharif would hold talks with the Chinese leadership, including the country's premier and president.
During the prime minister's visit, a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) will be signed between the two countries, most of them in the field of energy, Aslam added.
The spokeswoman dispelled the notion that the Sharif's visit to Beijing is substitute to President Xi Jinping's visit to Islamabad. She added that visit of Chinese president is very much on the cards.
She said the prime minister will participate in a dialogue regarding Strengthening Connectivity and Infrastructure Development. She said Pakistan shares the Chinese vision and welcomes the opportunity.
Tasnim Aslam said Nawaz Sharif will also participate in 22nd APEC Summit.
The spokeswoman said Afghan President Ashraf Ghani would visit Islamabad this month. However, dates could not yet be announced, she said.
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On DawnNews
Comments (104) Closed
Nov 06, 2014 01:51pm
For India, they are militants only who are supported by Pakistan. J & K is a part of India and will remain so till the earth exists. No one can separate J & K from India
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Nov 06, 2014 01:54pm
Better to break all the relations with India and build big wall between countries.
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Nov 06, 2014 01:57pm
Good reply. Don't let the Indians taint freedom for Kashmir by their vile propaganda.
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Nov 06, 2014 01:57pm
Saying "Kashmiris were freedom fighters and not separatists." is like saying I am a human, not a man.
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Nov 06, 2014 02:02pm
First talk to Govt of India and then talk to any other outfit. Will that suffice... Ma'am?
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Nov 06, 2014 02:03pm
Fantastic...this is a very good reply.....
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Nov 06, 2014 02:07pm
Should we not be trying to stop pregnant minorities being beaten and burnt alive rather then interfere in indian affairs?
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Nov 06, 2014 02:08pm
yes indeed they are freedom fighters, fighting for their right of self determination-this has been accepted in UN resolutions.
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Nov 06, 2014 02:12pm
Accurate statement, however FO should have gone a step further and clarified who are the real terrorists in Kashmir.
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Nov 06, 2014 02:17pm
Will this India / Pakistan Kashmir issue ever see an end to this problem....this has been going on for decades.
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Nov 06, 2014 02:17pm
It seems that FO is loosing ground gradually. It would be better to concentrate things which are really relevant for pak, otherwise would see international community taking offensive against pak for wasting their time and resources. Also it is high time to retrospect the difference between the freedom fighters from Balochistan and Kashmir.
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Nov 06, 2014 02:19pm
Blochi are freedom fighter not terrorist...internal issue heating up in Pak and suddenly Kashmir comes in mind
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Nov 06, 2014 02:20pm
It's The time for the world to call Balooch Freedom fighters and support them ...............
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Nov 06, 2014 02:20pm
A very strong message and a political response for the Kashmiri people.
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Nov 06, 2014 02:23pm
@deva "Better to break all the relations with India and build big wall between countries".
Very good idea but the problem is the alignment of the wall is yet to be decided for Kashmir
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Nov 06, 2014 02:24pm
Don't mess with Indians..
Bcuz it is our way or highway.
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Nov 06, 2014 02:25pm
"Aslam said no condemnation or condolence message had been received through official channels". Reminds me of my wedding where my dad called up relatives inviting them for the ceremony, unfortunately we did not waste money on printed invitations, only verbal were sent. My maternal and paternal uncles (Mamoo + Chachoo) all were displeased that we did not invite them properly. They wanted hand delivered invitations and a box of sweets. Long story short, I got married irrespective of absence of such family members, my life is fine, three wives, 16 children and 2 more on the way. We never initiated contact with those relatives and they came to senses by the time of 2nd marriage. Is this where we want to go with India? They can afford to ignore us, plain and simple.
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Nov 06, 2014 02:30pm
I guess FO meant they're freedom fighters, not 'terrorist', but they used the word separatist by mistake, as freedom means separation automatically. Also why they want separate official condemnations from India, it's there on india govt and PMO sites and done in conference also. Just say thanks or OK and finish it. Why red tapism? A formal letter of condemns is meaningless..
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Nov 06, 2014 02:33pm
@Riyaz multani When Pakistan deals with USA, China isn't it always their way or highway? Remember the phone call .... Musharraf...Bush....stone age ?? It is same with India from now on. Get used to it.
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Nov 06, 2014 02:33pm
Does it make a difference either way if it is Freedom Fighters or Separatists when thousands have been slaughtered in this endless war between two great nations?
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Nov 06, 2014 02:46pm
@KRana No my dear, those who are fighting for separation from indian union such as Khalistan, Bodo, Kashmiris, Dravida Nado, Nagalim, Taripura, Dalitstan, etc etc are freedom fighters. I hope you will remember these before becoming oversmart
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Nov 06, 2014 02:47pm
@Riyaz multani Well said Riyaz - pakistanis need to read latest pentagon report - which reveals pakistan's real face
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Nov 06, 2014 02:47pm
Good! Then Pak can discuss only with so called freedom fighters..... Indian govt will not talk.... That's all.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:03pm
Mr. Prime Minister... please don't forget to take begging bowl....golden begging bowl.. to China
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Nov 06, 2014 03:03pm
so are Baloci's let them have their freedom
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Nov 06, 2014 03:04pm
Reminds me the great Hasan Nisar comments, pakistan cannot manage Karachi but wants Kashmir only to loot by selling forest wood, make plots in Dal lake , selling rail traks etc as is done in Pak by the great leaders.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:07pm
how about Baloch's ?
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Nov 06, 2014 03:09pm
in the same logic balochi are mot separatists.They are freedom fighters.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:11pm
Pakistan can never change and I think India should stop everything with Pakistan and even close embassy in Islamabad and ask Pakistan to close its embassy in Delhi. This open support to terrorists and separatist should not be tolerated further. Why does Pakistan not call Baluchistan ppl as freedom fighters?
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Nov 06, 2014 03:11pm
@deva then how Pakistan will be able to infiltrate terrorist.. are the walls going to have doors?
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Nov 06, 2014 03:14pm
First become a peaceful country of the world community of nations .Cure the jaundiced view caused by shortsightedness in your policies and stop terror export.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:17pm
First become a peaceful country of the world community of nations .Cure the jaundiced view caused by shortsightedness in your policies and stop terror export.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:18pm
I would like to see their faces when there would be a similar statement....Balochis are freedom fighters, not separatists..
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Nov 06, 2014 03:19pm
Definition of 'freedom fighters' should be re-written.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:21pm
Poverty is our biggest enemy, and millions of our people are suffering. Friendship will open big economic corridors for both countries. This fight between two country is useless.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:21pm
@Candid1
Even Baloch liberation fighters are freedom fighters why cant PAK fo hold talks with them as well?????
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Nov 06, 2014 03:22pm
OK THANK YOU. You made me laugh again. Thank You. LOL.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:24pm
We have gone through a freedom movement. It did not involve blasting bombs or 26/11.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:24pm
@Vinod: It will as soon as the Indians end their occupation of Kashmir, and go beack to Dehli.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:25pm
Even Balochis are freedom fighters. High time India stays supporting them.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:27pm
@Rohan don't forget you are human first and then a man, if we are to go by your analogy!
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Nov 06, 2014 03:27pm
World is losing patience with pakistan. If pak start a conflit a break up of pak is the only option before the international community.
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Nov 06, 2014 03:27pm
TTPeeians are also freedom fighters please dont call them seperatists...
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Nov 06, 2014 03:30pm
Few years ago Taliban was addressed as Mujaheddins who fought for Islam but now you call them terrorists. Pakistanis learn but learns late. Anyways its better to be late then never
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Nov 06, 2014 03:46pm
@Vaikom James what about people in Pakistan and poor Shias in Pakistan.....and sindhis
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Nov 06, 2014 03:46pm
@shuaib "Dravida Nado, Nagalim, Taripura, Dalitstan"
What r these supposed to be ???
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Nov 06, 2014 03:48pm
@alladitta verygood one.i like that
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Nov 06, 2014 03:49pm
hehehehehe
I did not know even women folk smoke what men dooo ...
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Nov 06, 2014 03:49pm
Who in this world cares what Pakistan says.
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Nov 06, 2014 04:01pm
Part of Kashmir is with China also... Why no mud sludging at China
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Nov 06, 2014 04:02pm
Why you guys are not reading the latest Pentagon Report on Pakistan. It reflects your true nature.
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Nov 06, 2014 04:04pm
@KRana Learn to spell Baluch first.
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Nov 06, 2014 04:05pm
They are freedom fighter but being trained by Pakistan to become terrorists
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Nov 06, 2014 04:07pm
@Riyaz multani Soon you will be on the highway out of Kashmir and back to India.
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Nov 06, 2014 04:08pm
@Vaikom James
Stop spreading lies. Kashmir was never a part of India, it was historically a princely state which had its own governance. After partition your army invaded it and still occupies it.
Whether it stays occupied "till earth exists", we'll see about that!
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Nov 06, 2014 04:19pm
Reply to all: Kashmir is a internationally recognized disputed area and there must be a referendum like Scotland. If they want to join India, we are happy, but so called democratic and secular state must give them the rights of self determination. Similarly, Baluchistan is not a disputed area, it is an internal problem of Pakistan.
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Nov 06, 2014 04:21pm
It does not matter what Pakistan thinks about Kashmir. What matters is what the world thinks about Pakistan. Pakistan is a nation with zero international credibility. If Pakistan supports any cause, the world becomes suspicious.
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Nov 06, 2014 04:22pm
what a joke the FO is making out of itself. the other day it calls the US envoy to complain that the statement on militancy exported out of pakistan is unsubstantiated. the whole world has repeatedly seen what has been happening in Pakistan and its contribution to militancy... only FO is blind to it. completely making fool out of itself with statements that adds little value.
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Nov 06, 2014 04:23pm
@shuaib why don't you also fight for Khalistan, Bodo, Dravida Nado, Nagalim, Taripura, Dalitstan ? Pakistan is the most responsible country in the world, al ways wants to liberate the people of other countries but don't bother to see its situation in its own country? Bangladesh is already separated, if Pakistan will not change its attitute next is Baluch, Sindh and of course the part of Kashmir which it has illegally occupied by ATTACKING KASHMIR
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Nov 06, 2014 04:39pm
By the same definition the baloch liberation army are freedom fighters and not separatists. He he ha ha, this spokesperson is funny. Thanks for a good laugh.
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Nov 06, 2014 04:42pm
@Erik Can you spell Srinagar..oh.sorry..it's not S i r i n a g a r.
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Nov 06, 2014 04:43pm
@Vinod
This issue can't be resolved without negotiations considering the whims of people of Kashmir. I don't think Modi's government is ready for talks.
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Nov 06, 2014 04:50pm
@ahmedj oh please, no one's bothered believe me
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Nov 06, 2014 04:56pm
same goes to Baluch . They are freedon fighter too
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Nov 06, 2014 04:57pm
But the freedom fighters are from Pakistan and NOT Kashmir
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Nov 06, 2014 04:59pm
So what. Who care.
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Nov 06, 2014 05:03pm
The two recently killed Christians. Did you ever try to talk to them before being killed. Those were your own poor citizens.
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Nov 06, 2014 05:26pm
Take your time lady. While you do, do look at your watch if you have any.
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Nov 06, 2014 05:33pm
first read pentagon report,than comment here.
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Nov 06, 2014 05:34pm
so, these so called 'freedom fighters' are in pakistan too, so, it's better to give them freedom to chose weather they want to remain with you or not to make your case more strong to hold a plebiscite in kashmir.
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Nov 06, 2014 05:38pm
@deva - That would be great, at least we will not be bugged by militants.
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Nov 06, 2014 05:55pm
@alladitta . Lucky you can afford such a large family in Pak. Inconceivable in India.
Wish you all the best
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Nov 06, 2014 06:03pm
Great work Tasnim, Indian needs treatment as they are trying to fly with half developed wings
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Nov 06, 2014 06:06pm
@Gfellow Thanks for the totally irrelvant comment...moving swiftly on ....
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Nov 06, 2014 06:19pm
Ms. Aslam would do well to note that Jammu and Kashmir acceded to the Indian union as per the terms of partition. Hence technically the part of Jammu and Kashmir that is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan is the one that is occupied territory and that's what the dialogue will be about.
Jammu and Kashmir is India's integral part and no government can let go of it. Indian people have expressed their resolve through the parliamentary resolution and every Indian government will have to adhere to it, regardless of what Ms. Aslam thinks or does not think.
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Nov 06, 2014 06:31pm
IT WOULD BE A GREAT SERVICE TO MANKIND IF WE COULD "can" THIS KASHMIR DISPUTE FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS.
As it is , we the people of the sub continent , are being exploited by the Fundamentalists backed by vested interests.
J&K , as of today , has its own Chief Minister and has been so for the past 60 years.There is no restriction on religious practice and people are craving for development.
Kashmir was a Paradise till 1989 when trained fundamentalists were send into Kashmir with their masters agenda.
If Pakistan still believes that this state sponsored terrorism will benifit it , then what is the use of talking .
If the establishment in Pakistan thinks that brow beating will yield results , India has spoken , loud and clear.
Great statesmen , with baggage of the past , cannot live in the present nor look into the future.
So people like Sartaj Aziz have to let go and pragmatic new generation take over , without the baggage.
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Nov 06, 2014 06:39pm
Pakistan walks into Indian trap. Good reason now for India to refuse to talk even though Pentagon report itself is enough for India to do so. Pakistan has no leverage against India. Not even a single country supports PakistAn on its obsession on Kashmir. No worries as elections will be held this month in J&k. You can continue bleed yourself.
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Nov 06, 2014 06:46pm
Every brother and sister of ummah is our responsibility and a divine duty to protect. Kashmiris are our brothers and sisters and we will never abandon them in their quest for freedom. We will inshallah help Kashmiris and all minorities trapped in India.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:08pm
Whether Kashmir is an occupied territory or an integral part of India, as Pakistanis we should focus on the territory than on territory we don't. Kashmir seems to be our preoccupation, but we have bigger problems to solve within our own country than to worry about Kashmir so much.
Let's hold on to whatever part of Kashmir we have, and focus on building our country, develop the vast area of Baluchistan, end separatist movement there, get rid of the terror outfits that operate within our own country build schools and colleges, and along with it an egalitarian society that guarantees freedom for all (not just a small Sunni sect.). I am sure when our economy is one of the best performing economies in the world, we will get respect and we will be in a better position to negotiate a settlement of Kashmir.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:09pm
@shuaib
No world body has accused INDIA of harboring terrorists but Pakistan has been
accused by MANY,forget only INDIAN accusations.
Pakistan lied about Terrorist Number 1 (Osama bin Laden) to the entire world,
hiding him in a mansion in a MILITARY GARRISON town for 10 years or
so until the Americans plucked him out from under your noses and threw him into
the Arabian sea.
Do you think the civilised world is deaf,dumb,blind and stupid and you are the only
"smart" ones?
If so,you are in for some more pretty rude shocks in the near future !
The latest U.S.PENTAGON Report (no less) shows what the Americans (read Western
World) really considers to be Pakistan's place in the comity of nations !!
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Nov 06, 2014 07:11pm
Indian Govt. miserably failed to provide security to Kashmiri Hindus, the son of the soils. Like Pakistan and Bangladesh this was also a place where Hindus were in minority. And what a similarity - there is no no Hindu in the Kashmir Valley now.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:13pm
@EHM Baluchistan is internal problem of Pakistan and Kashmir is also your problem? Jammu and Kashmir is integral parat of India and nobody can take it. By the way why you always say Kashmir not include the full state? Jammu and Ladhak are also part of same state.. :-)
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Nov 06, 2014 07:15pm
@Azm If pakistan will not stop , World will be there, Kashmir will also be there but i doubt about Pakistan. So stop dreaming about Kashmir and mind your own business.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:18pm
AS american I saw yesterday pentagon official statment on english newspapers indicating that pak govt supported these acts. stop cover as freedom fighters, whole world knows yr govt supported these. Also. even pak citizen who lives abroad they admiting. even mr. nawaz shariff admitied once if anyone wants to stay in power in pak they have to sing kashmir aalap. kashmir was india & will be india. Look what happen to b. bhutto in london, his own ppl tired & welcom with eggs & tomatoes.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:19pm
Basically the statement reflects what option Pakistan has chosen. Pakistan is digging it's own grave. The Pentagon report was evident where the terrorism so called as freedom fighters by Pakistan in India emanates from. So far Pentagon had always privately acknowledged that Pakistan was sponsor of terrorism in India, but now that US is vacating Afghanistan and Pakistan they are openly acknowledging it. Pakistan can say whatever it wants but the world does not see it that way. Pakistan has much to gain by talking to India rather than vice-versa. As far as India is concerned nothing to discuss as far as Kashmir is concerned except protocols to respect LoC and stop infiltrators.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:20pm
I think its time to consider Pakistan on his own problem and stop supporting terrorist and terrorism. I hope now they have understood how bad is terrorism as they are now burning and suffering what they sowed in the past. If they still not stop and support then the day will come when Pakistan will be a land of ruins.Time to wake up Pakistan otherwise you will be in sleep for forever.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:24pm
@Vaikom James Jammu and Kashmir belongs to its people not India or Pakistan. People have every right to decide their destiny. It would be in greater interest of the region if India and Pakistan let the people of Jammu and Kashmir decide their destiny. It's high time both of these countries stop treating Kashmiris as cattle. A free Kashmir is the only way to bring the region out of this hostile atmosphere.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:24pm
@Shaan India s/b close all land border with pak, bangladesh, china. not even trade, embassey etc. like Isreal
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Nov 06, 2014 07:25pm
Great response.This will help India's narrative.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:27pm
@Vaikom James Yeah right we'll see about that. 'Till the Earth exists', shear stupidness on your part. No nation can exist while committing mass-murders and ruling with suppression.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:28pm
@EHM kashmir was india's & will be India's. pak govt. can't provide for their own population why they want more burden. Never think abt KASHMIR( india). 1971 & 1999 nice of Indian Govt, pak got back what india got. next time may be no luck. How abt ppl from lahore, karachi to vote to join india or pak? and lets see what will be the outcome.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:31pm
@Vaikom James you can fool some of the people some of the time, but you cannot
fool every body all the time, its like there were no palestinians in palestine before
israel, our sympathies with both
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Nov 06, 2014 07:33pm
@Sohan very wellcome sir
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Nov 06, 2014 07:39pm
@deva Agree with you 100000000000%
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Nov 06, 2014 07:41pm
"Kashmiris as Freedom Fighters" is also acknowledged by UN.
To all my neighbours: Now break away from UN as well.
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Nov 06, 2014 07:44pm
All I can see are comments from my Indian friends. Guys, chill...don't let the politicians from both the nations deceive you. Both India and Pakistan are not sincere with the Kashmir issue. We Pakistanis are not saints, neither do you Indians...
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Nov 06, 2014 07:49pm
@Riyaz multani
Finally, you understand.
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Nov 06, 2014 08:03pm
@alladitta 2 Wives, 18 kids! Wow! Hope you are able to get your kids proper modern and not madrassa schooling. All the best!
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Nov 06, 2014 09:10pm
Same old tune... different time.
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Nov 06, 2014 09:16pm
@colin You haven't heard what Lt. Gen Joseph said yesterday. Listen to him carefully, it is more latest than pentagon report.
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Nov 06, 2014 10:53pm
@Vaikom James -- There are around 600,000 indian troops in kashmir, you still complain about pakistans support. What are these 600,000 troops doing there ?
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Nov 07, 2014 05:29am
@Ali-Indian First check who you are talking about! Anyway Baloch are patriotic Pakistanis. Only a handful of misguided Baloch militants are carrying out terrorist attacks in remote areas with Indian support. The insurgency will soon end Insha Allah. Islam is a great uniting force in Pakistan which is above any racial discrimination.
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Nov 07, 2014 07:06am
@Omar, military and associated establishments are the major or largest employment sources in India and Pakistan and hence they need to keep some issues for ever. If Kashmir issue is resolved neither India nor Pakistan will need that huge military establishments.
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Nov 07, 2014 08:29am
When the end is near, all help/ advice falls on deaf ears. Good riddance. Accelerates early resolution of the core issue.
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