This Article is From Aug 13, 2014

Stop Blame Game: Pakistan's Response to PM Narendra Modi's "Proxy War" Remark

Stop Blame Game: Pakistan's Response to PM Narendra Modi's 'Proxy War' Remark

PM Narendra Modi in Kargil on Tuesday, August 12

Islamabad: Pakistan has reacted strongly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's accusation that is   waging a  "proxy war" by sending militants to attack India.

A statement from a Pakistani government spokesperson described the PM's allegation as "baseless rhetoric" and said "instead of engaging in a blame game, the two countries should focus on resolving all issues through dialogue." (Read Full Statement Here)

Mr Modi was in Kashmir on Tuesday, his second trip to the state in two months. "The neighbouring country has lost the strength to fight a conventional war but continues to engage in the proxy war of terrorism," he told officers and men from the army and air force in the region of Leh. He then became the first PM to visit Kargil since the 1999 war with Pakistan. (In Kashmir, PM Condemns 'Proxy War' by Pakistan)

Mr Modi's remarks were made  as India and Pakistan traded accusations of ceasefire violations on Monday. (Four Ceasefire Violations by Pakistan in Five Days)

New Delhi and Islamabad agreed to a ceasefire in 2003. Despite the truce, firing along the disputed de facto border or the Line of Control, has escalated in the last few months. (What Is '56-Inch Chest' PM Doing on Pakistan Ceasefire Violations: Congress)

When he took office in May, Mr Modi surprised many by inviting his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif to attend the swearing-in ceremony.  The Foreign Secretaries of the two countries are meant to meet in Islamabad this month. (In Letter to Nawaz Sharif, PM Modi Seeks 'New Course' for India-Pak Relations)

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