Pakistan dismissed out of hand as mere "rhetorical statements" the comments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event in Drass, Ladakh, noting that they cannot divert the world's attention from India's ongoing attempts to suppress the Kashmiri people.
It was the 25th anniversary of the Kargil conflict, and India paid its respects to its soldiers. Tributes of the memorial were held at Kargil War Memorial in Drass, where Modi sent out a message to Islamabad for its intentions of remaining relevant by engaging in terrorism and proxy conflicts. He warned that any such activities would be given a fitting response with full force.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan reacted and condemned the statements, adding that such statements could not shift global attention from high-handed actions in Jammu and Kashmir. The statements said bravado and nationalism would impede regional peace and the resolution of long-lasting differences between Pakistan and India over Jammu and Kashmir.
India expressed regret that, while it has been persistent in expressing its desire to have peaceful relations with Pakistan, it is for Islamabad to create an atmosphere that is free of terror and hostility if it wants to have any meaningful dialogue. India reiterated its stand that Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, are an integral part of the country.
It was stated that Pakistan would continue to take all measures to defend its sovereignty against any aggression that may come from India, despite its efforts to bring peace and stability to the region.
Modi, at the ceremony, hailed the valour of the Indian soldiers and declared the 1999 conflict as a victory of truth over "falsehood and terror". He poured ridicule on Pakistan for not learning from past mistakes and assured that its attempts to undermine India would fall flat on its face.
Modi expressed deep gratitude to the jawans who fought in the very inhospitable environs of Drass, Kargil, and Batalik, describing them as 'brave and resilient'. The battle, which had run into almost three months, finally ended on July 26, 1999, with the Indian Army declaring the successful culmination of Operation Vijay and victory over Pakistan.
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