India to 'Set The Record Straight' After Pakistan PM Rakes Up Kashmir Issue in UN

New York: India will 'set the record straight' on the issue of Jammu & Kashmir which Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif raked up at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday. (Core Issue of J&K Has to be Resolved: Pakistan PM at UN General Assembly)

"India will use its right-to-reply and set the record straight. This will be done on the floor of UN," said Syed Akbaruddin, Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs. (Also read: In US, Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif Criticises India)

Mr Sharif had said on Friday, the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir has to be resolved and pushed for a plebiscite in the state, adding that "This is the responsibility of the international community... We cannot draw a veil over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Addressing the UNGA, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in New York, PM Sharif said that people of Jammu and Kashmir are "still waiting for fulfillment of the promise of plebiscite". He went on to allege that "many generations of Kashmiris have lived in violence" and that the people of the state had suffered, especially its women. (Also read: 'Pakistan Spoilt The Game', Says Sushma Swaraj Amid Diplomatic Sparring in New York)

Meanwhile, BJP Spokesperson Nalin Kohli said, "It is not very encouraging in terms of Pakistan being serious in improving relationship with India."

"It is Pakistan's habit to rake up the issue in United Nations...something we should overlook," said Congress Spokesperson Rashid Alvi.

In the speech which lasted nearly 15 minutes, Mr Sharif also said that Pakistan is ready to work on Kashmir with negotiations and dialogue. "Pakistan's aspiration and effort is to build a peaceful neighbourhood. Regional peace and security, political peace, social justice and rule of law is absolutely essential... My government's aspiration and effort to build a peaceful neighbourhood," Mr Sharif said. (Talks Possible Only if India Takes Initiative, Says Pakistan)

Mentioning the cancellation of foreign secretary-level talks by India last month, the Pakistan PM said "We were disappointed at the cancellation of Foreign Secretary-level talks with India... Need more not less dialogue and diplomacy." India had called off the August 25 foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan over its envoy in New Delhi hobnobbing with Kashmiri separatists, ignoring India's request to him not to meet them.