Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir will remain its integral part, India Friday made it clear that there was no question of accepting any change in the status of the border state.
Rebutting reports quoting Pakistan Minister for Kashmir Affairs Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat that the two countries were considering three options, including joint control of Kashmir for an amicable solution to the issue, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said, "There have been no discussions with Pakistan on changing the status of Jammu and Kashmir in any form."
"The government of India has seen the quoted remarks of Hayat, a Pakistan government minister concerning discussions taking place between India and Pakistan on J&K. The government wishes to clarify that there is no question of India accepting any change in the status of J&K, which is and will remain an integral part of India," Sarna said.
Hayat was quoted as saying, besides joint control, the options under consideration were limited sovereignty formula and the devolution system formula.
He claimed that the leaders, foreign ministers, foreign secretaries and even officials involved in backdoor diplomacy have discussed these options, and Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control are being taken into confidence in this regard.
© 2024 Rediff.com -