Pak envoy's assertion doesn't matter, India's stand on Kashmir is clear: Centre

New Delhi, Aug 14 (ANI): Brushing aside Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit's controversial declaration dedicating their nation's Independence Day to the "freedom of Kashmir", the government on Sunday asserted that the former's statement did not matter as India's stand on Kashmir was clear. When asked to react on Basit's statement, Minister of State in Prime Minister Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh told ANI here that it does not matter what the envoy said as India's policy on Kashmir is clear and consistent. "India has made it clear that it will not associate with Pakistan on any topics related to Kashmir. The only issue is which we are ready to engage with them is on the matter of PoK," he said. Earlier today, Islamabad continued to provoke India as Pakistan envoy Abdul Basit said that his nation has dedicated the 70th Independence Day to the "freedom of Kashmir". Basit said Pakistan has always made efforts to improve its relationship with India. "As far as the relation of Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, we dedicate this year's Independence Day to Kashmir's freedom. We are confident that the sacrifices made by the people of Jammu and Kashmir would be successful," Basit said. He asserted Pakistan has always given moral support to Jammu and Kashmir's freedom struggle and would continue to do so. "Struggle for independence will continue till Kashmir gets freedom; sacrifice of the people of Kashmir will not go in vain," he said. Basit was reiterating Nawaz Sharif's statement dedicating the day to the "freedom movement" in Kashmir. "I dedicate this year's 14th August to the freedom of Kashmir," the Express Tribune quoted Sharif as saying. Pakistan's provocation comes just days after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's assertion that there is no power in the world, which can take Jammu and Kashmir away from India. (ANI)