MEA cautions Pak over Jadhav verdict
The issue of death sentence to Kulbhushan Jadhav by Pakistan, was raised in Parliament on Tuesday. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha expressed solidarity with JaMEAdhav and his family. MPs across party lines said they wholeheartedly support the government on the issue.
India, Pakistan relations are on edge again.
Tuesday saw protests outside the neighbouring country’s high commission in New Delhi and almost around the same time External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj issued a strong warning to Islamabad not to harm one hair on former Indian naval officer and businessman Kulbhushan Jadhav’s head.
“I would caution Pakistan government to consider the consequences for our bilateral relationship if they proceed on this (Jadhav) matter. There is no evidence of any wrongdoing by Kulbhushan Jadhav. This is an act of premeditated murder”, said the minister.
The External Affairs Minister also assured the house that Jadhav’s matter will be raised at the highest levels with Pakistan.
Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistan court on Monday on charges of spying for the Research and Analysis Wing. He was arrested last year in March from Chaman, an area close to Pakistan’s border in Iran.
The government has maintained that Jadhav’s trial and sentencing has been carried out in a summary manner without the backing of evidence.
The Indian government was even denied counselor access to Jadhav 13 times by Pak in contravention to all international norms.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh making a statement in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday ridiculed Pakistan’s case against Jadhav.
Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has also put Pakistan in the dock in the eyes of the world community.
Members of opposition parties in both houses have urged the government to do everything possible to ensure Jadhav returns unharmed to India.