United Nations: Addressing the 71st session of United Nations General Assembly, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday emphatically declared that Kashmir belongs to India and that its offer of unconditional friendship to Pakistan was met with a series of betrayals in the form of cross-border terror attacks.
Speaking in Hindi at the United Nations General Assembly, Swaraj in her 18-minute address said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended the hand of friendship to Pakistan by inviting his counterpart Nawaz Sharif to his swearing-in ceremony in May 2014, and also visiting Lahore last December in a goodwill gesture.
"But what did we get in return? Pathankot, Uri, Bahadur Ali," she said, referring to the January 2 terror attack on an air force base in Pathankot that left seven soldiers dead, and the Uri attack of September 18 in which 18 soldiers died, and the capture of Pakistani terrorist Bahadur Ali.
Hitting out at Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Swaraj very categorically said that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones at others.
The External Affairs Minister called upon the world body to unite in its fight against those who "seed" extremist ideologies.
Clearly referring to Pakistan, she said: "These nations, in which UN designated terrorists roam freely, lead processions and deliver their poisonous sermons of hate with impunity, are as culpable as the very terrorists they harbour. Such countries should have no place in the comity of nations."
Congrats to EAM @SushmaSwaraj for a firm, effective & fine articulation of a wide range of global issues at #UNGA. https://t.co/9ZgwAbfPDr? Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 26, 2016
#71stUNGA Strange that Indian EAM is disowning the UN SC resolutions and that too at the UN? SpokespersonMOFA (@ForeignOfficePk) September 26, 2016
Congratulating Swaraj for speaking in Hindi at the international foray Shashi Tharoor told CNN-News18, "It was a well drafted speech. By speaking in Hindi Sushma was targeting Indian and Pakistani audience."
"The balance of the speech was striking and the message strong" he added.
The Congress however seemed disappointed by Sushma's speech.
Modi Govt again flip flops on Pakistan in U.N. Let's India down. Much touted offensive of Modi Govt is unreal, misleading & hollow.? Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) September 26, 2016
Deeply disappointed by EAM Sushma Swaraj's address in UN. Even steered shy of calling Pak a 'terror state'. Strategic ambiguity writ large!? Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) September 26, 2016
Nation wants concrete action against rogue Pakistan not aimless political acronyms & rhetoric Modiji as seen in U.N.56 inches chest a Jumla?? Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) September 26, 2016
Swaraj's speech assumes significance in the backdrop of Nawaz Sharif's statement that Uri Attacks could be in response to the situation in Kashmir Valley.
(With inputs from agencies)
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