New Delhi: In a strong message to Pakistan, India said it will continue to take firm and decisive action against cross-border terrorism stemming from Pakistan. According to New Delhi's representative at United Nations, the onus is to create a conducive atmosphere for any meaningful dialogue that can be held only in an atmosphere free of terror, hostility and violence.
"India desires normal neighbourly relations with all countries including Pakistan and is committed to addressing outstanding issues, if any, bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with the Simla Agreement and the Lahore declaration," counsellor in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Kajal Bhat said in the UN Security Council.
India has come out strongly against Pakistan in the 15-nation UN Security Council after Islamabad raised the Kashmir issue.
Criticising Pakistan’s ambassador to the UN for misusing platforms provided by the UN to propagate false and malicious propaganda against India, Bhat said it is seeking in vain to divert the world's attention from the sad state of his country where terrorists enjoy a free pass while the lives of ordinary people, especially those belonging to the minority communities are turned upside down.
She made the statement after Pakistan's ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram took up the Jammu and Kashmir issue in the UN Security Council during the open debate on ''Maintenance of International Peace and Security Through Preventive Diplomacy''.
Bhat, who belongs to Jammu and Kashmir, said in her remarks that UN member states are aware that Pakistan has an "established history and policy" of harbouring, aiding and actively supporting terrorists.
"This is a country which has been globally recognised as one openly supporting, training, financing and arming terrorists as a matter of state policy. It holds the ignoble record of hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the UN Security Council."
She went on to categorically mention India's position saying the entire union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. "This includes the areas that are under the illegal occupation of Pakistan."
India asked Pakistan to immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation.
(With inputs from PTI)