Abolition of 370 internal matter: India at UNSC

New Delhi, August 16 (ANI): Syed Akbaruddin, India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council, addresses the media after a closed-door meeting by the United Nations Security Council:

"Our national position was and remains that matter related to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is entirely an internal matter of India.

"These have no external ramifications, the recent decisions taken by the government of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, social economic development is enhance for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh."

"We took preventive measures in Kashmir to stop terrorists bleeding our people," Akbaruddin said.

"We're committed to gradually removing all restrictions. Since the change is internal to India, have not made any difference to our external orientation. India remains committed to ensure that the situation there (J&K) remains calm and peaceful," he said.

In an apparent swipe at Pakistan, Akbaruddin said, "We note that there were some who tried to project an alarmist approach to the situation which is far  from the ground realities. Of particular concern is that one state is using terminology of 'jihad' against and promoting violence in India including by their leaders."

India also told Pakistan to stop terror to start talks