OIC passes resolution on Kashmir "atrocities", India says "matter internal"
On Saturday, India rejected a resolution by Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) on Jammu and Kashmir, saying the matter was internal. A day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was invited as a guest of honor at the summit, OIC mentioned "Indian terrorism" and "blinding of Kashmiris" in the resolution. Reacting on the same, New Delhi said its stand on J&K remains unchanged.
Babri Masjid, Kashmir: Here's what the resolution said
In the resolution, the OIC "praised" Pakistan for its "efforts" and criticized Indian state for "indiscriminate use of force against innocent Kashmiris". Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was also appreciated for releasing Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. An elated Pakistan said the OIC "supported" them on Kashmir issue. Furthermore, the OIC also asked the Indian government to rebuild Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
OIC wants to strengthen relationship with India
The OIC, a collective of 57 countries, has always sided with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. In the resolution, the OIC noted solving the matter is important for peace in South Asia. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said though a decision couldn't be taken, the OIC appreciated its relationship with India and is looking forward to strengthening it.
On OIC's resolution, MEA says J&K is part of India
Swaraj was the first Indian minister to have been invited to the summit as a guest of honor. Her attendance showed India was taking strides as far as global outreach was concerned but OIC's resolution just hours after her speech came as an embarrassment for New Delhi. In its first statement on the resolution, the ministry said J&K is an integral part of India.
The matter is strictly internal: MEA downplays OIC's resolution
"As regards the resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, our stand is consistent and well known. We reaffirm that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India and is a matter strictly internal to India," said MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.
Meanwhile, Congress attacks Centre, asks how is this "diplomatic victory"
Notably, Pakistan's foreign minister didn't attend summit
It should be noted Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi gave the event a miss because of Swaraj's presence. He agreed to send a junior delegation to the summit. Notably, Pakistan is one of the founding members of OIC. Without mentioning Pakistan in her speech, Swaraj said countries should stop providing safe haven to terrorists and everyone should work against this menace together.
