Turkey backs Pakistan in UN calling Kashmir a ‘burning issue’, India slams back | WATCH

The Tatva Staff September 23, 2020

A day after Pakistan’s foreign minister brought up Kashmir during a speech at the United Nations 75th anniversary commemoration event, the issue was raised again – this time by Turkish president Recep Erdogan during his general debate remarks.

“The Kashmir conflict, which is also key to the stability and peace of South Asia, is still a burning issue. Steps taken following the abolition of the special status of Jammu-Kashmir further complicated the problem,” Mr. Erdogan said via a recorded video message. India had abrogated Article 370 (special status for the former state of Jammu and Kashmir) and reorganized the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Deeply appreciate President Erdogan once again raising his voice in support of the rights of the Kashmiri people during his address to UNGA. Turkey’s unwavering support remains a source of strength for the Kashmiris in their legitimate struggle for self determination. pic.twitter.com/RIBJAIUpty
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) September 23, 2020

In reply, India on Tuesday categorically told Turkey to “learn to respect the sovereignty of other nations” after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the Kashmir issue in his address at the UN General Assembly earlier in the day.

India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations T.S. Tirumurti called Erdogan’s remarks “gross interference” in the country’s internal affairs.

We have seen remarks by President of Turkey on Indian UT of Jammu & Kashmir. They constitute gross interference in India’s internal affairs and are completely unacceptable. Turkey should learn to respect sovereignty of other nations and reflect on its own policies more deeply.
— Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) September 22, 2020

Turkey has repeatedly backed Pakistan’s stance on the issue as Prime Minister Imran called attention to India’s actions in occupied Kashmir on international platforms.

In a call with President Arif Alvi in August, Erdogan had assured his country’s support for Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue.