NEW DELHI: India on Friday reacted strongly to allegations by the Pakistan Foreign Office that Indian forces were using chemical weapons on civilians in Kashmir.
On Thursday at a press briefing in Islamabad, the Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson accused India of using chemical weapons on unarmed citizens in Kashmir. “Pakistan strongly condemns Indian aggression in the occupied valley,” he added.
In Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement to rebut the Pakistani allegations. “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,” it said.
“India has repeatedly stated its complete opposition to the use of chemical weapons by anyone, at anytime, and anywhere in the world. India is an original signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). 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.”
The MEA added that Pakistan repeatedly tried 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,” it said.