"PoK is Indian, Pakistan is squatting there," says Harish Salve

Senior Indian lawyer Harish Salve on Wednesday endorsed Modi government's decision to revoke Article 370 to withdraw special status of Jammu and Kashmir as a means of correcting a "mistake". He described Pakistan's reaction to move as a sign of "complete bankruptcy" because Kashmir is an integral part of India where y were "squatting". Tensions between two countries have spiked since India abrogated Article 370 of Constitution to revoke special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Harish Salve: "Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is Indian"

India's decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgred diplomatic ties and expelled Indian ambassor.  Pakistan has been trying to internationalise Kashmir issue after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, but New Delhi has asserted abrogation of Article 370 was its "internal matter". Salve said, "Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is Indian, y (Pakistan) are squatting re. If re is any disputed territory (in region), it is PoK. Kashmir Constitution says Kashmir is an integral part of India, t just Indian Constitution. Kashmir being an integral part of India has never been in doubt, except in certain Pakistani minds."

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"India has done right thing"

Describing himself as a "long-time votary" of getting rid of Article 370, senior lawyer ted: "I think it was a mistake to allow it and a bigger mistake to allow it to fester. Sometimes you h to cut Gordian Kt and government has done it. only way it could have been done is by one shot. " suggestion that it should have been a discussion is nsense because even slightest mention of 370 would evoke very trenchant and militant criticism. India has done right thing." In reference to legal challenge over issue, he ded: Supreme Court of India will hear and decide if re was anything wrong. But way it has been portrayed by Pakistan shows ir complete bankruptcy of mind.

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Harish Salve- A key member of legal team on behalf of India

Salve was speaking to reporters at Indian High Commission in London following a landmark judgment by Royal Courts of Justice earlier in day in favour of Indian government in relation to funds associated with Nizam of Hyderab dating back to Partition in 1947. As a key member of legal team on behalf of India, lawyer hailed verdict as an important endorsement of India's long-held stance against Pakistan in UK court.

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"It was a wrongful claim by Pakistan which h to be fought. We fought that claim and won it," Salve said, in reference to 35 million pounds held in a London bank account which will w be shared between Nizam of Hyderab's heirs and Indian government based on a confidential agreement struck between parties. "Historians will be interested in seeing Pakistan's open acceptance that y were supplying arms. It is an interesting dimension which has publicly been ackwledged," he said, in reference to one of arguments used by Pakistan as part of its claim for funds. 

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