Modi failed to craft a coherent policy on Pakistan: Congress

The Congress on Friday condemned Pakistan's attempt to intenationalise the sensitive issue of Kashmir and accused the Narendra Modi government of failing to craft a coherent policy towards the neighbouring country.

Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said in New Delhi that Pakistan's stance raises a question about the complete absence of not only a strategy, but even a tactical approach which the Modi government has regarding Pakistan.

"It is absolutely a flagrant violation of the position that India has consistently taken, that all issues with Pakistan will be sorted bilaterally," Tewari said.

Pakistan on Friday demanded a UN-backed independent and transparent probe into what it called the "extra-judicial" killings in Kashmir and termed the situation in the state a grave threat to peace and security.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday also said Pakistan will observe July 19 as Black Day against Kashmir killings.

Tewari said the belligerence and impertinence which is emanating out of both the security and political establishment of Pakistan is to a large measure because of the failed coherent policy by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Modi.

"When was the last time India heard a statement from the UN Secretary General on Kashmir? Throughout the 10 years of the UPA government, there was never an attempt to interfere," said Tewari, adding, "When was the last time that you heard the US talk about resolving Kashmir through talks between India, Pakistan and Kashmiri people."

Sharif on Monday called for a plebiscite in an occupied Jammu and Kashmir to let its people decide if they want to be with India or align with Pakistan.

In a statement on Friday, Sharif also voiced concern and deep sorrow over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani by security forces that triggered widespread violence in the Kashmir Valley.