A diplomatic row between India and Pakistan over the Pakistani foreign minister’s outreach to Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on the Kashmir issue escalated on Thursday, with New Delhi saying such actions would have “consequences”. External affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar made it clear at a news briefing that India wouldn’t back down on the issue as Qureshi’s actions had confirmed Pakistan “officially abets and encourages individuals associated with terrorism and anti-India activities”. He reiterated that Qureshi’s actions reflected the “duplicity” of the Pakistan government’s approach, with some sections talking of peace with India while others take actions that are “completely anti-India”. The Pakistani foreign minister is expected to attend both events. Following protracted discussions at senior levels of the Indian government, Pakistani envoy Sohail Mahmood was summoned by the foreign secretary at 10.30 pm on Wednesday.

Source: Hindustan Times January 31, 2019 14:26 UTC