SRINAGAR: India has rejected the use of chemical weapons in Kashmir as was alleged by Pakistan.
“We completely reject allegations made by Pakistan about the reported use of chemical weapons by the Indian security forces against Indian citizens. Such allegations are not new and are totally unfounded,” a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Delhi said. “India has repeatedly stated its complete opposition to the use of chemical weapons by anyone, at any time, and anywhere in the world. India is an original signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).”
The spokesman said the international community has recognised India’s abiding commitment and contribution to the CWC which is the universal multilateral instrument prohibiting the use of chemical weapons.
“It is, therefore, a matter of deep concern that Pakistan repeatedly tries to make such false allegations. They are acting in a highly irresponsible manner with the sole purpose of repeating untruths in the vain hope that the international community will start believing in their falsehood. Such malicious attempts to deflect international opinion away from the terrorism emanating from Pakistan shall not succeed.”
Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday alleged that India has “reportedly used chemical weapons against Kashmiris during a recent cordon and search operation” in Bandipora. “Use of chemical weapons is a felony against humanity,” he said. “The recent pictures and videos on social media of the Indian brutalities unleashed on innocent Kashmiris continue to be a stark reminder of the real brutal and inhuman face of India.”
“The cancellation of the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan, which was to be held on the sidelines of UNGA in New York, by India on flimsy pretexts, was disappointing.” The spokesman said, according to the text of his speech on the Pakistan foreign ministry website. “Pakistan has always desired peaceful and good-neighbourly relations with India, on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit.”
Alleging that the “atrocities against innocent Kashmiris” stand intensified as new garrisons have come up in populated areas, the spokesman said Pakistan is concerned over the “deteriorating health” of Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Masarat Alam Bhatt, Syeda Aasiya Andrabi, Nahida Nasreen, Fahmida Sofi, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Mohammad Aiyaz Akbar, Altaf Ahmad Shah, Peer Saifullah, Mehrajudin Kalwal, Farooq Ahmad Dar, Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Maulana Sarjan Barkati, Shabbir Ahmad Dar, Mushtaq-ul-Islam and others.
