Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu has appealed the political parties to speak in one voice on the issues of Balochistan and Gilgit. Talking to reporters on the sideline of a function in New Delhi today, Mr. Naidu said, everyone should avoid making any statement which hurts India’s interests.

His remarks came in response to a question on Congress leader Salman Khurshid’s statement in which he had attacked the Prime Minister for raking up the issue of Balochistan in his Independence Day address. Other Congress leaders Kapil Sibal and Randeep Singh Surjewala had also made comments over the issue.

Mr. Naidu said it is unfortunate that main opposition Congress is not speaking in one voice. Taking a strong note of Pakistan’s position on Kashmir, the Minister said, Kashmir is an integral part of India. He said, Pakistan is trying to give India lectures about Kashmir, that’s why New Delhi told them what is happening in Balochistan, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and Gilgit.