India’s online newspaper The Print has revealed that India wants Shehbaz Sharif government to take ‘genuine steps’ against ‘supporting’ terrorism.
It said a high-ranking source emphasised that the ball is now in Pakistan’s court when it comes to the normalisation of bilateral relations, adding that steps from Pakistan will show its seriousness.
The Print quoted the source as saying, ‘Kashmir is a festering issue. Jammu and Kashmir has been an integral part of India, will be an integral part of India, and will continue to be an integral part of India. Terror cannot continue.’
The US sanctions Afghanistan to ensure Taliban fail, replaces Imran Khan who is anti-war, with Shehbaz Sharif who'd easily give bases, who is "India friendly", who'd accept Israel and there is a sudden wave of terrorism in Pakistan. I see trouble.#MarchAgainstlmportedGovt
— Humaira (@HumairaWajahat) May 12, 2022
Since Shehbaz Sharif came to power, there have been speculations of improved ties between Islamabad and New Delhi, which worsened after Balakot air strike in 2019.
Both sides pulled out their high commissioners following the attacks, and neither country has yet posted a new one.
Read more: Pakistan expected to resume trade ties with India?
However, the Indian source said, “Nothing dramatic is expected (from the Shehbaz Sharif government). We as a country want to have good relations with all our neighbours because neighbours cannot be replaced. However, in the case of our western neighbour, the ball is in Pakistan’s court.”
Indian government’s atrocities in Kashmir
It is worth mentioning that the Indian government hides behind terrorism propaganda against Pakistan whenever it is questioned about its atrocities in Kashmir.
Following his appointment, PM Shehbaz Sharif said a “peaceful” settlement of the Kashmir dispute is “indispensable.”
The valley is the most militarised part of India, with more than half a million soldiers and paramilitaries deployed across the region.
India and Pakistan both claim the divided territory of Kashmir in its entirety.
Read more: US, India urge Pakistan for “immediate” action against terrorism
Rebels in the Indian-controlled portion have fought New Delhi’s rule since 1989. Most Muslim Kashmiris support the rebel’s goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.
Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels, and government forces have been killed in the conflict. According to a report by Kashmir Media Service, Indian security forces have killed 96,022 Kashmiris since 1989.