NEW DELHI, Feb 5: India reacted sharply on Tuesday to what it termed cliched and “untenable” statements made by President Pervez Musharraf in a speech to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day in Pakistan.

“Regrettably, General Pervez Musharraf has in his comments today reverted to time-worn and untenable positions on terrorism,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“Comments about the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir amount to interference in the internal affairs of India. We reject them outright,” the statement said.

The Indian foreign ministry statement regretted that President Musharraf had not taken the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to end “cross-border terrorism” and reject terrorism in any form.

“His formulations, unfortunately, have reverted to yesterday’s cliches, confirming the apprehensions voiced earlier by us,” the statement said.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Nirupama Rao reiterated that a bilateral dialogue — offered by President Musharraf during his speech — was impossible as Islamabad had yet to halt cross-border terrorism or take action on a list of 20 wanted criminals and terrorists India wants extradited from Pakistan.

“We are awaiting meaningful steps from Pakistan but that is not happening,” Rao said.

The Pakistan leader reiterated demands that India accept UN resolutions to allow the people of Kashmir to decide whether to join India or Pakistan.—AFP