Pak minister tries to incite mutiny among Punjabis in Indian Army

In a highly deplorable and provocative statement, Pakistan's science and technology minister Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday urged Punjabis in the Indian Army to deny duty in Kashmir. His remarks drew sharp reaction from Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh who asked Pakistan to mind its own business and keep out of India's internal matters.

"I appeal to all Punjabis in Indian army to refuse to be part of injustice and deny duty in Kashmir," tweeted Chaudhary.

Reacting to his statement, the chief minister said the Indian Army is a disciplined and nationalist force. Singh, who served in the Indian Army in the 1960s, also warned Islamabad against continued attempts to interfere in Kashmir.

“Stop trying to interfere in India's internal matter. And let me tell you that the Indian Army is a disciplined and nationalist force, unlike your Army @fawadchaudhry. Your provocative statement will not work, nor will the Soldiers in our Army follow your divisive diktats. @adgpi,” he tweeted.

The chief minister had recently reiterated that Kashmir was an internal matter of India and Pakistan should not link it with diplomatic or trade ties between the two nations.

Tension has mounted between India and Pakistan after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated the state into two Union territories on August 5. Following India's decision, Pakistan suspended the bilateral trade and downgraded the diplomatic ties. Islamabad also expelled the Indian high commissioner and stopped cross-border train and bus services.