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New Delhi: Indian authorities have removed traffic bollards, barricades and other structures outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, days after
Pakistan dismantled security barricades outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The action in Delhi is being seen as a swift reciprocal diplomatic move amid heightened tensions between the two countries. A JCB machine was deployed to clear alleged encroachments around the Pakistan High Commission, particularly near the mission's visa section, people familiar with the matter said. The structures were located outside the designated perimeter of the diplomatic compound, they added. WATCH VIDEO HERE:
Authorities also removed parts of the external security arrangements that had previously restricted movement around the Pakistan mission.
The development comes three days after Pakistani authorities removed security barricades outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
The latest action was carried out outside the designated boundary of the Pakistan High Commission and did not involve the diplomatic compound itself.
The move comes against the backdrop of strained ties between the two neighbours, with both sides closely monitoring developments around their respective diplomatic missions.
This also comes at a time when, Pakistan on Wednesday summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad and lodged a strong demarche over remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad condemned and rejected the characterisation of Jammu and Kashmir as "an important part of India".
"The US Charge d' Affaires in Islamabad was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today and a strong demarche was lodged over the factually incorrect remarks of the US Ambassador to India, regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir, during his visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir," Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
(With inputs from agencies)
