Opposition accuses Modi of ‘ruining’ India’s case on PoK

NEW DELHI: Opposition parties criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for raking up the Balochistan issue in his Independence Day address with the Congress

NEW DELHI: Opposition parties criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for raking up the Balochistan issue in his Independence Day address with the Congress accusing him of “ruining” India’s case on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

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The Communist Party of India (CPI) sought to know steps the Centre is going to take to restore peace in Kashmir where nearly 60 people have died and scores wounded in clashes between security forces and protesters since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideeen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8.

The main opposition party said Modi’s remarks will give an “additional handle” to Pakistan to target India. “I do not know who advised the Prime Minister for raising Balochistan,” senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid said.

“PoK is our right. Our entitlement. We will support it. But by bringing in Balochistan, you are ruining our case... We are going to ruin our own case on PoK,” he said. “It will dilute our claim on PoK and give Pakistan additional handle to interfere in our internal affairs. We don’t speak about atrocities in neighbouring countries.”

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the people of Balochistan, Gilgit and PoK for “whole-heartedly thanking him” for raising the alleged human rights abuses in these regions.

This is second time within three days that Modi spoke about PoK and Balochistan issues. Chairing an all-party meeting on Kashmir on Friday, he stressed the need for exposing the alleged atrocities committed by Pakistan in Balochistan and PoK.

Khurshid, a former external affairs minister, suggested that Modi should learn from former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the foreign policy. “Balochistan is a different kettle altogether. We have no business (there),” he said. “The problem with Modi, who speaks of 56-inch chest, is that he talks too much and does very little. In modern times, we have to act with brains.”