India has slammed Pakistan for its “unjustified” reference to Jammu and Kashmir at the UN General Assembly, with New Delhi saying such statements do not validate the country’s claim and do not justify its cross-border terrorism.

“As is their custom, today Pakistan’s former foreign secretary has made an unjustified reference to the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” India’s permanent representative to the United Nations Ambassador P Harish said at an informal meeting of the General Assembly to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia on Friday.

Pakistan’s frequent references “do not validate their claim or justify their cross-border terrorism,” Harish said.

“The fanatical mentality of this nation, as well as its record of religious fanaticism, is well known. Such attempts will not change the reality that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and always will be an integral part of India,” he said.

Harish’s strong response came after former Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua mentioned Jammu and Kashmir during an informal gathering to mark the International Day for Combating Islamophobia.