'Muslims distinct from Hindus': Pakistan army chief highlights two-nation theory again after Pahalgam attack

NEW DELHI: Days after Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir reiterated his two-nation theory saying that Muslims were distinct from Hindus in "all aspects". He further said that the nation knew how to "defend" itself amid several action taken by the central government in retaliation to the attack, including Indus Water Treaty suspension.
"The two-nation theory was based on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations, not one. Muslims are distinct from Hindus in all aspects of life – religion, customs, traditions, thinking and aspirations," Munir said addressing Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) parade in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday.
"Our forefathers made immense sacrifices for the creation of Pakistan. We know how to defend it," he added.
Relations between India and Pakistan sharply deteriorated after terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 killed 26.
In its initial response, India cut diplomatic ties with Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of involvement in the attack. The ministry of external affairs said that the assault occurred "in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development".
Pakistan has, however, distanced itself from the attack saying it had "no involvement" in the massacre, describing it instead as a "home-grown" rebellion against "Hindutva regime."
On April 16, Munir had said that Hindus and Muslims were distinct nations and encouraged attendees to share the story of Pakistan’s creation with their children. He had also called Kashmir as Pakistan's "jugular vein" attracting strong condemnation from India.
"Our stance is very clear, it was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, and we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle," he had said.
India has consistently asserted that the Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh "was, is and shall forever" an integral part of the country.