Conflict

UN chief reiterates his concern over situation in Kashmir, his call for protecting civilians

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reiterated his concern over the situation in Kashmir and his call for protecting civilians.

“The Secretary General has expressed and will continue to express his concern at the situation,” his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday in answer to a question about Kashmir at his daily briefing.

“I think we spoke about the situation earlier in the week reminding all parties of the need to protect civilians.”

He added that while he was not speaking specifically about Kashmir, “as a matter of principle, in any issue where there are differences to be bridged between member states, the good offices of the United Nations are available, but they only work if both parties require, ask for it and are open to it.”

India has maintained that the disputes with Pakistan were bilateral issues that need to be sorted out directly by them without the involvement of third parties.

On last Sunday 20 people were killed—13 militants, four civilians and three armed forces—in three separate gunfights in south Kashmir. Another civilian was killed when police fired pellets ta youth in central Kashmir’s Kangan district on Tuesday. So far 0ver 200 civilians have been injured in clashes with government forces across Kashmir.

On Thursday, after three days educational institutions were thrown open in however the valley saw a wave of student protests.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is observing ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ against the recent spate of killings in the valley.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi recently, said that the ‘brutal crackdown’ on civilians protesting against the killings in Shopian was deplorable. The Pakistan premier also said that his country stands with Kashmiris struggle for Right to Self Determination.

The Pakistani cabinet also decided to send special envoys to selected capitals to highlight the deteriorating situation in Kashmir.

Moreover, Pakistani cricket star Shahid Afridi, who has  a huge fan following all over the world, in a tweet said that that innocents in Kashmir are being killed to suppress the voice of self determination and independence.

 

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