BJP condemns Pakistan army chief's Kashmir remarks

New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) The BJP Thursday condemned Pakistan Army chief Gen. Raheel Sharif's comment that Kashmir was Islamabad's "jugular vein", and said Pakistan occupied Kashmir was an integral part of India.

"BJP condemns statement made by army Pakistan army chief...PoK (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) is an integral part of India," Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said.

"It is important that the Pakistan authorities remember that peace in this region cannot be affected by their hawkish uncalled for statements," she said.

Addressing a ceremony at the army headquarters in Rawalpindi Wednesday, Gen. Raheel Sharif said Kashmir was was an international dispute over which UN resolutions existed and the resolutions were crucial for peace and stability in the region.

The BJP leader also demanded a clarification from Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

"Civilian elected government of Pakistan should speak up so that the region remains peaceful and help the development of all regions around. This uncalled for statement should be condemned," she said.

"Such statements do not help in building good neighbourhood."