Kashmir our jugular vein, won't forget it: Pakistan Army Chief

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has made it clear that the neighbouring country is in no mood to let the Kashmir issue die down. Terming Kashmir as is Islamabad's "jugular vein" General Munir, as reported by NDTV, said that his country “won’t forget it”. He also dug up the two-nation theory on the basis of which Pakistan came into being in 1947.

General Munir, while addressing a gathering of Pakistanis based abroad on Wednesday, also said that Pakistan would continue to provide support to the “historic struggle” of Kashmiris.

"Our stance is absolutely clear, it was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, and we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle,” he was quoted as saying.

Brings up two-nation theory

Raking up the two-nation theory, the Pakistani Army chief said that the founders of Pakistan firmly believed that their customs, religion and traditions were vastly different from those of the Hindus, which was the basis of the two-nation theory.

"You should definitely tell Pakistan's story to your children. Our forefathers thought that we are different from the Hindus in every aspect of life. Our religions, our customs, traditions, thoughts and ambitions are different. That was the foundation of the two-nation theory that was laid,’ said General Munir.

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Elaborating further, he said that India and Pakistan are not one nation and that was the reason the founders of Pakistan struggled for its creation. He also made it clear that Pakistan was very much capable of defending itself.

"We are not one nation. That is why our forefathers struggled to create this country. Our forefathers and we have sacrificed a lot for the creation of this country. We know how to defend it. My dear brothers, sisters, daughters and sons, please don't forget this story of Pakistan. Don't forget to narrate this story to your next generation so that their bond with Pakistan never weakens," he said.

The two-nation theory was the basis of the demand for a separate state for Muslims. This gave rise to movement, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who became the first Governor General of Pakistan.

Will crack down on terrorists

General Munir asserted that the Pakistan armed forces will not deal with the separatist movements in Balochistan with an iron fist. He said that the separatists will not be able to take Balochistan in 10 generations.

"Balochistan is Pakistan's pride, you will just take it away so easily? You won't be able to take it in 10 generations. Inshallah, we will defeat these terrorists very soon. Pakistan will not fall,’ said General Munir as quoted by ndtv.com.

He also rubbished apprehension that Pakistan will not get investments due to terrorist activities in it territories. He said when India with its 1.3 million-strong Army and military heft could not intimidate Pakistan, then how to will terrorists do it.

Although the Ministry of External Affairs is yet to respond to General Munir’s comments, but a response is expected soon given the contentious nature of his comments.