Leh (Ladakh): Giving a stern reply to Pakistan over its continuous rant about Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said the neighbouring country has no locus-standi on matters related to the region. Addressing the 26th 'Kisan-Jawan Vigyan Mela' in Leh, Singh underlined that Islamabad's cries over Kashmir were uncalled for as the region was never a part of Pakistan.

"I want to ask Pakistan when was Kashmir yours that you cry for it? (Main Pakistan se poochna chahta hun, Kashmir kab Pakistan ka tha ki usko lekar rote rehte ho?) Pakistan itself was carved out India. We respect Pakistan's existence but that doesn't mean they can make any statements regarding Kashmir," Singh said.