By IANS,
United Nations: Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the state’s people have “peacefully chosen their destiny in accordance with democratic practices” and “continue to do so”, India has said in response to Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s remarks made at the UN.
Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, addressing a media briefing here Wednesday, said India’s position on Kashmir was well known.
“Well, we have seen the reference to Jammu and Kashmir in the statement of the President of Pakistan. Our principled position on the issue has been consistent and is well known.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India, have peacefully chosen their destiny in accordance with democratic practices and they continue to do so,” he said.
Zardari had said the issue of Kashmir was a “symbol of the failures” of the UN, and a resolution could only be arrived in an “environment of cooperation”.
“Kashmir remains a symbol of the failures, rather than strengths of the UN system. We feel that resolution of these issues can only be arrived in an environment of cooperation,” Zardari was quoted as saying in an address at the UN General Assembly.