India says Kulbhushan Jadhav's family harassed in Pakistan

India says Kulbhushan Jadhav's family was harassed in Pakistan and remarks released by Islamabad appeared tutored and designed to push false narrative of his alleged activities. 

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar yesterday said Pakistan went so far as to have the mangal sutra, bangles and bindi of his mother and wife removed before they could meet him.Despite repeated requests, the shoes of the wife of Jadhav were not returned to her after the meeting. He said Jadhav's mother was prevented from talking in their mother tongue. 

Mr Kumar said, most of Jadhav's remarks were clearly tutored and designed to perpetuate the false narrative of his alleged spying in Pakistan. His appearance also raised questions about his health and well being. 

India also regretted that contrary to assurances, the overall atmosphere of the meeting was intimidating in so far as



family members were concerned. The spokesperson said, the manner in which the meeting of was conducted is clearly an attempt to bolster a false and unsubstantiated narrative of his alleged activities. 

Countering Pakistan's contention that the meeting was a humanitarian concession, he said the exercise lacked any credibility.He added that Deputy High Commissioner was initially separated from family members and meeting was started without his presence and he could join only after pressing the matter with concerned officials. 

Even then, he was kept behind an additional partition that did not allow him access to the meeting. The spokesperson said, the Pakistani press was allowed on multiple occasions to approach family members closely and hurl false and motivated accusations about Mr Jadhav. This was despite a clear agreement that the media would not be allowed close access.