India on Wednesday said the central problem in Jammu and Kashmir was cross-border terrorism, reported ANI. India’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations Rajiv K Chander made the statement at the 35th session of the Human Rights Council at the UN.

“The central problem in Jammu and Kashmir is cross-border terrorism, and Pakistan’s use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy,” he said. “This fact needs due recognition by one and all. We firmly believe that a policy of zero tolerance to terrorism is as much an international obligation as it is a commitment to our own people.”

India reiterated its demand that Pakistan must “fulfil its obligation to vacate illegal occupation” of Kashmir. “Pakistan must rein in its compulsive hostility towards India,” he said.

Ties with Pakistan have been worsening over the past year, with several militant attacks in Kashmir, and the Indian Army conducting “surgical strikes” on militant camps along the border. The two countries have constantly accused the other of attacks along the border, among other things. India and Pakistan are also battling after the latter had sentenced former Navy man Kulbhushan Jadhav to death for alleged espionage activities. The case is now in the International Court of Justice.