'Deeply regrettable': India reacts to Imran Khan's Kashmir remark at Kartarpur event

India has slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Pakistan for choosing to politicize the "pious occasion" of stone laying ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor by raking up Kashmir issue during his address. The Ministry of External Affairs has termed Khan's "unwarranted reference" to Jammu and Kashmir during the ground breaking ceremony of Kartarpur corridor as "deeply regrettable".

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses during a ceremony in Kartarpur, Pakistan, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: India has slammed Pakistan Prime Minister Pakistan for choosing to politicize the "pious occasion" of stone laying ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor by raking up the Kashmir issue during his address. The Ministry of External Affairs has termed Khan's "unwarranted reference" to Jammu and Kashmir during the ground breaking ceremony of Kartarpur corridor as "deeply regrettable". "Deeply regrettable that Pakistan prime minister chose to politicise the pious occasion meant to realise the long pending demand of Sikh community to develop the Kartarpur Corridor by making unwarranted reference to Jammu and Kashmir which is integral and inalienable part of India," the MEA said. The ministry also reminded Pakistan that the country must fulfill its international obligations and take effective and credible action to stop providing shelter and all kind of support to cross-border terrorism from territories under its control. Khan, during his speech, said the only issue between us (Indian and Pakistan) is Kashmir and it needs is just two capable leaderships to resolve this issue. "I am saying today, that our political leaders, our army, and all other institutions are all on one page. We wish to move forward, we want a civilised relationship. We have just one problem, Kashmir. If man can walk on the moon, what problems are there that we cannot resolve?" Khan asked. "I assure you that we can solve this problem. But determination and big dreams are necessary. Imagine, once trade begins, once our relationship is fixed, how much both nations could benefit," he said and reiterated that if India takes one step forward, Pakistan will take two steps forward in friendship. This was not the first time Khan touched upon the Kashmir issue, raking up the same in first address to the nation after elections, Khan had said it is the "core" issue between the two countries and it should be resolved through talks. "Kashmiri people have suffered in the last 30 years. We have to resolve the Kashmir issue by sitting across the table. If India will take one step, we are ready to take two. We have to resolve this core issue through dialogue. It will be good for the subcontinent also," he had said.