New Delhi, November 28: Shortly after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan pitched for resolution of Kashmir dispute while speaking at the Kartarpur corridor's groundbreaking ceremony, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement condemning his attempt to "politicise a pious event".

"It is deeply regrettable that the Prime Minister of Pakistan chose to politicise the pious occasion meant to realise the long pending demand of the Sikh community to develop Kartarpur corridor by making unwarranted reference to Jammu and Kashmir which is an integral and inalienable part of India," said the statement issued by the MEA. PM Narendra Modi Invited For SAARC Summit, Says Pakistan Foreign Office.

Khan, while addressing the gathering which included the Indian delegation, said the issue of Kashmir could be resolved only through dialogue.

"Nothing else separates the two nations. The only issue is Kashmir...When human being can reach the moon, then there is nothing which he can't achieve. Every problem comes with a solution. And so is the issue of Kashmir. It could be resolved through talks," he said.

Responding to Khan's remarks, the MEA points out that cross-border terrorism remains the issue of utmost concern for India.

"Pakistan is reminded that it must fulfill its international obligations and take effective and credible action to stop providing shelter and all kind of support to cross border terrorism from territories under its control," the statement added.

Notably, the Kartarpur event today was considered by optimist geopolitical observers as a thaw in India-Pakistan ties, which have remained downhill since January 2016.

Although Islamabad has pitched for resumption of the bilateral process to resolve the pending issues, New Delhi has walked the hardline so far -- which many attribute to the upcoming crucial elections.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 28, 2018 06:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).