PM Modi's supporters exchange war of words with Kashmiri separatists outside UN headquarters

The supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kashmiri separatists indulged in a verbal confrontation outside the UN headquarters here on Saturday.

They exchanged war of words as Prime Minister Modi delivered his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

A large number of Indian-Americans had gathered outside the UN headquarters here to welcome Prime Minister Modi.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that he was prepared to engage in a serious bilateral dialogue with Pakistan without the shadow of terrorism but asked Islamabad to create an appropriate environment for that.

In his maiden address to the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Modi said, "I am prepared to engage in a serious bilateral dialogue with Pakistan in a peaceful atmosphere, without the shadow of terrorism, to promote our friendship and cooperation."

"However, Pakistan must also take its responsibility seriously to create an appropriate environment," he added while addressing the UNGA in Hindi.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had earlier on Friday said that his nation was disappointed at the cancellation of the Foreign Secretary-level talks with India and called on the international community to resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

"We need a new approach to eliminate conflict and we will continue to work for promotion of human rights. We want to build a friendly neighbourhood by pursuing a policy of constructive engagement. We were disappointed by the cancelled talks of Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan. Many generations of Kashmiris have lived in violence and the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir has to be resolved," Sharif said while addressing the UNGA.

India had cancelled the Foreign Secretary-level talks between the two countries last month after Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit held talks with Kashmiri separatist leaders in New Delhi.