New Delhi: India on Wednesday rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in the China-Pakistan joint statement and to the CPEC economic corridor and said it resolutely opposes any attempts to change the status quo of the areas under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, asked the two countries not to interfere in its internal affairs.
The statement read: “We have noted references to Jammu & Kashmir and the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in the joint statement between China and Pakistan issued on 06 February 2022. “We have always rejected such references and our position is well known to China and Pakistan. In this instance too, we reject reference to Jammu and Kashmir in the joint statement.
“The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India. We expect the parties concerned not to interfere in matters that are internal affairs of India.
“As regards reference to the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), we have consistently conveyed our concerns to China and Pakistan on the projects in the so-called CPEC, which are in India’s territory that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan.
“We resolutely oppose any attempts to change the status quo by other countries, as also by Pakistan, in the areas under the illegal occupation of Pakistan. We call upon the parties concerned to cease such activities.”
The China-Pakistan joint statement was issued in Beijing during Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s visit. It has pointed references to Kashmir, echoing the two countries’ stands, which India opposes. It also talks about CPEC and on taking it forward.
