India and Pakistan are witnessing growing bitterness after Pakistan and
its Prime Minister made provocative statements on the Kashmir situation in the
wake of Burhan Wani's killing on July 8.
Amidst growing strain
in Indo-Pak ties, India Monday advised its diplomats and officials posted in
its High Commission in Islamabad to make arrangements for education of their
wards outside Pakistan from this academic session, virtually downgrading it as
a “non-school-going station”.
The announcement came
after a government’s review of staffing and related policies for their
diplomatic missions as also prevailing circumstances at the station.
External Affairs
Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, “It is a normal practice for all
countries to review staffing and related policies for their diplomatic
missions, including in view of prevailing circumstances at those stations.
“With effect from
this academic session, officials posted in the High Commission of India in
Islamabad have been advised to make arrangements for education of their wards
outside Pakistan, till further notice.”
According to
officials, there are about 50 school-going children of Indian officials, who
are currently posted in Indian mission in Islamabad. This development amounts
to “downgrade” of Pakistan as a “non-school-going station”, an official said.
India and Pakistan
are witnessing growing bitterness after Pakistan and its Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif made provocative statements on the Kashmir situation in the wake of Burhan Wani’s
killing on July 8. Wani was a wanted terrorist Commander of the banned
terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen.
Not only did Sharif
praise Wani but he also remarked that “Kashmir will one day become Pakistan”, a
comment which evoked a sharp reaction from External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who said his dream of the state becoming
a part of his country “will not be realised even at the end of eternity”.
Last week, India had
asked Pakistan to ensure full safety and security of Indian officials and their
families there in view of the threats of marches and protests at the High
Commission after the observance of ‘Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day” and
“Black Day” last week.
Representative
Image
Source: PTI
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