India has strongly rebutted as “untenable” the remarks on Kashmir by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the UN General Assembly.

India exercised its right of reply on the floor of the UNGA to rebut Pakistan’s statement.

“I would like to bring to the notice of this august House that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have peacefully chosen their destiny in accordance with the universally accepted democratic principles and practices and they continue to do so. We, therefore, reject in their entirety the untenable comments of the distinguished delegate of Pakistan,” Abhishek Singh, first secretary in the Indian mission to the UN said.

Sharif had in his address at the UNGA said that the “core issue” of Jammu and Kashmir has to be resolved and pushed for a plebiscite in the state.

He also blamed India for the calling off of bilateral foreign secretary level talks last month.

Sharif said the “core issue of Jammu and Kashmir has to be resolved. This is the responsibility of the international community… We cannot draw a veil over the issue of Kashmir until it is addressed in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to address the UNGA at 10.30 a.m.