India reacts over OIC statement

NEW DELHI: India reacted strongly on Wednesday to the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) description of the state of Jammu and Kashmir as a region that has been occupied.

In a statement issued here, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said: "We have seen reports that the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) has again chosen to refer to Jammu and Kashmir incorrectly, in an invitation to an Indian invitee to an OIC meeting. This is most regrettable."

The statement further said: "The state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. We totally reject any reference or description to the contrary."

The Organisation of the Islamic Conference is an international organisation with a permanent delegation to the United Nations, with 57 member states.

This refence of Kashmir as an 'occupied territory' comes just a day after Mirwaiz demanded inclusion of genuine Kashmiri leadership in the dialogue process between Pakistan and India for bringing about a permanent settlement to the Kashmir dispute.