Stop interfering in our internal matters:India tells Pak

New Delhi, Aug 12 (UNI) For the second time during the past week, India today asked Pakistan to stop meddling in its internal affairs, saying such actions did not contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive for the peace process to move forward.

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said the remarks attributed to the Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson yesterday constituted clear inteference in India's internal affairs.

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Sadiq yesterday expressed concern at the violence in Jammu and Kashmir and said the incidents had ''serious humanitarian implications.'' Pakistani Senate had on August six passed three resolutions including one expressing concern over ''attacks'' on properties in Jammu and Kashmir and the violations of ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC).

India immediately retorted the next day asking Islamabad not to interfere in India's internal affairs but attend to issues where it (Islamabad) has a locus standi.

Mr Sarna, while responding to questions on the latest remarks by the Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, said such statements by leaders of a foreign country would neither improve the situation nor create an atmoshere conducive for the peace process to move forward.

He said the central and state governments were taking all necessary steps to restore law and order in Jammu and Kashmir.

''...These statements constitute clear interference in the internal affairs of an integral part of India.

Government of India and the State (Jammu and Kashmir) Government are taking all steps necessary to restore law and order in this part of the country. Such statements by leaders of a foreign country do not help the situation nor do they contribute to creating the atmosphere necessary for the dialogue process between India and Pakistan to move forward,'' Mr Sarna added.

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