Erdogan supports Pakistan on Kashmir issue, India asks not to interfere

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday rose up the Jammu and Kashmir issue in Pakistan Parliament and vowed that Ankara will support Pakistan's stand.

India has also reacted criticizing Erdogan's remark on Kashmir and said Turkey should not interfere in India's internal affairs and to "develop a proper understanding of facts including the threat of terrorism emanating from Pakistan".

He also voiced during a meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan that Turkey has not forgotten Pakistan's support during the Turkish War of Independence, reports NDTV.

President Erdogan said, referring to the scrapping of special status to Jammu and Kashmir in August last year, "Our Kashmiri brothers and sisters have suffered from inconveniences for decades and these sufferings have become graver due to unilateral steps taken in recent times."

The Turkish President, in his address, likened the "struggle" of the Kashmiris with that of his country in World War I against foreign domination, reports The Hindu.

"Today, the issue of Kashmir is as close to us as it is to you (Pakistanis). Such a solution on the basis of justice and fairness will serve the interests of all parties concerned. Turkey will continue to stand by justice, peace and dialogue in the resolution of the Kashmir issue," he said, reports Press Trust of India.

Drawing comparison with the battle of Gallipoli which was fought in Turkey between the Allied Powers and the Ottoman Empire in which over two lakh troops were killed on both sides, Erdogan said, "there is no difference between Gallipoli and Kashmir."

"The Kashmir problem can be solved not by conflict or oppression, but on the basis of justice and equity," he added.

"Turkey is in favour of resolving the Kashmir issue by taking into consideration the expectations of our Kashmiri brothers, through dialogue based on UN resolutions," Erdoğan also said.

In September last year, Erdogan raised the Kashmir issue during his address at the United Nations General Assembly.

Jammu and Kashmir are held by India and Pakistan in parts and claimed by both in full. A small sliver of Kashmir is also held by China.

Since they were partitioned in 1947, the two countries have fought three wars – in 1948, 1965 and 1971 – including two over Kashmir.

Some Kashmiri groups in Jammu and Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence or unification with neighbouring Pakistan.

According to several human rights organizations, thousands of people have reportedly been killed in the conflict in the region since 1989.

The president also said Turkey appreciates Pakistan's contribution to the peace process in Afghanistan, as he noted that Turkey will continue to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.