India issued a sharp response to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s recent statement, in which he referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein.” The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed his comments, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the only relationship Pakistan holds with it is to vacate the territories it has illegally occupied.
MEA Responds to Jugular Vein Claim
Addressing the media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein? This is a Union Territory of India. Its only relationship with Pakistan is the vacating of illegally occupied territories by that country.”
His comments came after a video featuring General Munir surfaced online, in which the Pakistani army chief urged citizens to pass on the story of Pakistan’s creation to future generations, while reaffirming the two-nation theory that led to the country’s formation.
General Munir Reaffirms Two-Nation Theory
In the video, Munir emphasized Pakistan’s ideological roots and cultural differences with India. “Our forefathers thought we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life,” he said. “Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different. That’s where the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. We are two nations, we are not one nation.”
He also praised the past generations for their sacrifices and underscored Pakistan’s resilience. “Our forefathers have sacrificed immensely, and we have sacrificed a lot for the creation of this country, and we know how to defend it,” Munir declared.
Call to Preserve National Identity
General Munir called on Pakistan’s youth to uphold national identity and remain connected to their roots. “My dear brothers and sisters and sons and daughters, please don’t forget the story of Pakistan and don’t forget to narrate the story of Pakistan to your next generation, so that their bond with Pakistan never weakens. Whether it is the third generation, or the fourth generation, or the fifth generation, they know what Pakistan is for them,” he said.
Strong Words on Balochistan Terrorism
During the same address, General Munir also made strong remarks on the internal security situation in Balochistan. Promising swift action, he stated, “We will beat the hell out of these terrorists very soon … you think, these 1500 terrorists belonging to BLA, BLF and BRA, etc., can take away Balochistan from us…”
He further said, “Do Pakistan‘s enemies think that a handful of terrorists can decide the fate of Pakistan?… even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan.”
General Munir also acknowledged the support of overseas Pakistanis, describing them as unwavering in their loyalty to the nation.
