'Proportional response': MEA on bulldozer action outside Pakistan High Commission
What's the story
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has justified the demolition of unauthorized structures outside the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it was a "proportionate action in response" to similar actions taken by Pakistan. He said, "In Pakistan, some of the structures in front of the Indian High Commission were removed to facilitate parking" despite India's request not to do so.
Demolition details
MEA confirms temporary structures were removed
"Once it happened, we took what could be described as a proportional action — we removed some temporary structures located in the lane outside the Pakistani High Commission here (in Delhi)..." he said.
On Thursday, authorities also took down traffic bollards and barricades around the Pakistan High Commission compound.
Visuals from the site showed debris strewn across, with broken railings and twisted metal frames.
The visa section remained visible amid the rubble, with service windows marked for various functions.
Kashmir controversy
Demolition comes after US envoy's visit to Srinagar
The demolition came a day after US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor's visit to Srinagar, where he called Jammu & Kashmir an "important part of India."
Pakistan had summoned US chargé d'affaires in Islamabad, Natalie Baker, to lodge a protest against his comments.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan said, "It was underscored that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory, awaiting final disposition in accordance with...relevant UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people."