'We Are Different From Hindus', Pak Army Chief Invokes Two-Nation Theory; India Reacts To 'Kashmir Jugular Vein' Remark

Justifying the two-nation theory during an address at the Overseas Pakistani Convention in Islamabad, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir emphasized how India and Pakistan are two different nations.

Moreover, he also urged the Pakistani citizens to narrate the same story to their children highlighting the "stark differences between Hindus and Muslims" as the foundation for the Islamic Republic's creation.

Reigniting their age-old claim on Kashmir, Munir also asserted that Kashmir is Islamabad's "jugular vein" and will be so and that Pakistan "won't forget it".

Responding to the remark, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal said, "How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein? This is a Union Territory of India. Its only relationship with Pakistan is the vacation of illegally occupied territories by that country."

Munir's remarks came days after India slammed Pakistan for once again bringing up the Kashmir issue during a United Nations debate on peacekeeping reforms.

'We Are Different From Hindus In Every Possible Aspect': Pak Army Chief

"Our forefathers believed that we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religion is different. Our customs are different. Our traditions are different. Our thoughts are different. Our ambitions are different... That was the foundation of the Two-Nation Theory. It was laid on the belief that we are two nations, not one," said General Munir.

"You must tell this to your children so that they never forget the story of Pakistan," Munir said, with Pakistani PM Shahbaz Sharif in attendance. "Our forefathers made immense sacrifices, and we too, have sacrificed a lot for the creation of this country... My dear brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters, please do not forget this story", he further said in his speech that went viral on social media.

Reiterating the two-nation theory, he said, "We are not one nation. That is why our forefathers struggled to create this country. Our forefathers and we have sacrificed a lot for the creation of this country. We know how to defend it. My dear brothers, sisters, daughters and sons, please don't forget this story of Pakistan. Don't forget to narrate this story to your next generation so that their bond with Pakistan never weakens."

He also made it clear that the armed forces will crack down hard on the separatist movements in Balochistan. "Balochistan is Pakistan's pride, you will just take it away so easily? You won't be able to take it in 10 generations. Inshallah, we will defeat these terrorists very soon. Pakistan will not fall." Speaking about Kashmir, General Munir said, "Our stance is absolutely clear, it was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle."

The Two-Nation Theory

The two-nation theory is considered the basis for the movement demanding a separate state for Muslims in the years before Independence.

The movement was led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and others. The theory argued that Muslims and Hindus constituted distinct nations and this ideology later led to the partition of British India in 1947, and the creation of Pakistan as a Muslim-majority Islamic state.

The two-nation theory emphasizes a narrative contrary to the idea of harmony, common history and heritage between India and Pakistan,