'If Israel can do it,' says Indian diplomat on J&K issue, creates row

Speaking at a private event of Kashmiri Pandits in New York, Sandeep Chakravorty said: "Kashmiri culture is Hindu culture" and promised his audience that they could return to Kashmir soon, saying, "(we) already have a model in the world... if the Israeli people can do it..."

Though in the video he was seen receiving huge applause, Chakravorty's comments contradict the government's official stand which rejects comparisons between Kashmir and Palestine.

The Ministry of External Affairs has refrained itself from commenting on the issue so far.

"Somebody (in the audience) spoke about Jewish issue... the Israel issue... they kept their culture alive for 2,000 years outside their land. I think we have to keep Kashmiri culture alive. Kashmiri culture is Indian culture... it is the Hindu culture," Chakravorty said, adding, "None of us can imagine India without Kashmir."

Defending himself on Twitter, he later said: "I have seen some social media comments on my recent remarks. My remarks are being taken out of context."

Clarifying himself further, he also said: "We already have a model in the world in the Middle East... if the Israeli people can do it..."

This comes even as last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed solidarity with Palestinians.

Image Credit: SandeepChakravorty Twitter Page