Pak rejects Modi's claims of 'proxy war' in Kashmir as 'baseless rhetoric'

Islamabad: Pakistan on Wednesday dismissed as “baseless rhetoric” claims by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it was waging a “proxy war” in disputed Kashmir. Modi made the remarks on Tuesday shortly before visiting Kargil, a remote area of Kashmir that was the scene of a deadly conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours in 1999. New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of using Pakistan-based militant groups such as the outlawed Lashkar-e-Taiba against its forces in the divided Himalayan territory – a claim Islamabad denies. [caption id=“attachment_1658715” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  PM Narendra Modi. AFP[/caption] Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Modi was “repeating baseless rhetoric against Pakistan”, in a statement released on Wednesday, and urged Delhi to adopt a more constructive approach. “The press reports of Indian accusations, at the highest political level, are most unfortunate,” the statement said, stressing Pakistan’s desire for “good neighbourly relations”. “It would be in the larger interest of the regional peace that instead of engaging in a blame game, the two countries should focus on resolving all issues through dialogue and work together to promote friendly and cooperative relations.” Modi’s visit came a day after Pakistan summoned a senior Indian diplomat over a cross-border firing incident near the eastern city of Sialkot at the foot of the Kashmir hills, which the foreign ministry said killed at least one civilian. AFP