MEA on Malaysian PM's remark: 'Developments in J&K an internal matter'

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Friday termed the relationship between India and Malaysia as 'traditionally good'. This statement is followed by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad's remark on Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier the 94-year old Malaysian PM had said that despite UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, the country had been 'invaded and occupied'.

"We have traditionally good and friendly ties with Malaysia.  These relations have been enhanced in recent years.  We have noted the comment on Jammu and Kashmir by the Prime Minister of Malaysia.  We deeply regret these comments since it is not based on facts."

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'Jammu & Kashmir an internal matter'

Raveesh Kumar further asserted that the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter and it doesn't require the involvement of other countries. He also stated the Government of Malaysia should keep friendly relations in mind before making such comments.

"J&K signed Instrument of Accession like all other princely states. Pakistan invaded & illegally occupied parts of J&K. Govt of Malaysia should bear in mind the friendly relations between the 2 countries & desist from making such remarks. The current developments in J & K and Ladakh is a purely internal matter of India and does not involve any third country. The Government of Malaysia should bear in mind the friendly relations between the two countries and desist from making such comments," Kumar stated.

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Malaysian PM calls Kashmir 'invaded and occupied'

Malaysian PM had said that despite UN resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, the country had been 'invaded and occupied'. Slamming India's move to abrogate Article 370,  he stated that while there may be reasons for the action, it was still wrong. He added, "The problem must be solved by peaceful means. India should work with Pakistan to resolve this problem. Ignoring the UN will lead to other forms of disregard for the United Nations. "Slamming India's move to abrogate Article 370,  he stated that while there may be reasons for the action, it was still wrong. He added, "The problem must be solved by peaceful means. India should work with Pakistan to resolve this problem. Ignoring the UN will lead to other forms of disregard for the United Nations."

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