Defence Minister George Fernandes on Saturday said Pakistan's claim of Jammu and Kashmir being a disputed territory was 'not relevant'.

In an interview to NDTV television channel on Friday, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri had stated that the entire territory of Jammu and Kashmir is 'disputed territory'. He was responding to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's statement on Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Asked when talks with Pakistan will resume, Fernandes said it will take 'some time'. "One does not wish to rush through without preparations."

On suggestions that the Line of Control can be converted into a permanent border as a solution to the Kashmir issue, he said, "The whole of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan occupied Kashmir is a part of India."

Share your comments

What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 4 Sub: Spurious Pak Claim The Indian Independence Act 1947 conferred absolute power on native rulers including Maharaja Hari Singh of J&K to choose to accede either to India or ... Posted by Anil Kumar Sub: pak claim pak today claims j&k is disputed tomorrow will claim Gujrat is disputed latter Panjab etc.this is their wicketness to divert pak people thought to other ... Posted by madhaviparkar Sub: By George! By George! How long will we keep up this hypocrisy? Even kids know that India doesn't have the strength, let alone the will, to get ... Posted by bushman Sub: Keep it up Georgie Boy I like this Guy, I appreciate his STRAIGHT FORWARDNESS. All other Politicians who are sitting and filling up their personal coffers should look at this ... Posted by Raghu