Outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said that he was “deeply concerned” about the deterioration of the situation along the Line of Control in Kashmir in recent days.
Ban, therefore, called on all involved to prioritise the restoration of calm and stability in order to prevent any further escalation and loss of life, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric.
The Secretary-general urged “dialogue and diplomacy” by both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions.
“The Secretary-General trusts that the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan can find common ground and work towards a sustainable peace,” he said.
According to him, the UN stands by the people of the region and supports all efforts to reach durable peace and security.
Media reported that shelling and gunfire intensified along the Line of Control on Wednesday.
The UN has long maintained an institutional presence in the contested area between India and Pakistan.
According to the Security Council mandate given in resolution 307 of 1971, the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of Control.
The group also observes and reports on ceasefire violations along the working boundary between the South Asian neighbours in Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition, UNMOGIP, which currently comprises of 41 military observers and a number of civilian staff members, reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations. (NAN)
