India rejects Hussain's claim, accuses Pak of sponsoring terrorism

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday put the ball in Islamabad's court following Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain's accusation that India is "running away" from talks, saying the main cause for lack of peace and continued instability is externally sponsored terrorism and the neighbouring nation's repeated internal interference in internal affairs of New Delhi.

"I would say that Kashmir is not main cause of tension, the main cause for the lack of peace and continued instability in our region is externally sponsored terrorism and Pakistan's repeated internal interference in internal affairs of India," MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup said when asked to respond on President Hussain's remark at the Kashmir International Conference in Islamabad.

Swarup also rubbished the claims of 'global dimensions' of Kashmir issue in the International Conference, saying India rejects the insinuation by vested interests against the nation, which has rightful sovereignty over entire state of Jammu and Kashmir.

"We also stress that there are no 'global dimensions' of the Kashmir issue except in the minds of those who seek to needlessly internationalise a bilateral matter," he said.

"Pakistan needs to vacate its illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir and address the suffering caused to millions in those parts," he added.

The Pakistan President yesterday said the problem in the region will continue till the Kashmir issue is resolved.

"Problems will continue to exist in the region until the Kashmir issue is resolved in accordance with the United Nations resolutions," the Express Tribune quoted him as saying.

He was of the opinion when the issue of Kashmir was conveyed at the UN General Assembly session, the warmth was not reciprocated.