UN Secretary General concerned over Kashmir situation

NEW YORK: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the situation in occupied Kashmir.

General António called on all parties to refrain from taking steps that could affect the status of Jammu and Kashmir, which is recognised as a disputed territory by the United Nations and the Security Council.

A statement issued by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, stated, “The secretary-general calls on all parties to refrain from taking steps that could affect the status of Jammu and Kashmir.”

According to him, General Antonio has been following the situation in occupied Kashmir with concern and makes an appeal for maximum restraint.

He further said that General Antonio was also concerned over reports of restrictions in occupied Kashmir.

He added that restrictions in the valley could exacerbate the human rights situation in the region.

The Indian government on Monday stripped the disputed region of its autonomy by revoking Article 370 of its constitution.

Earlier on 5th August, the UN appealed to both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint amid escalating tensions between the two countries along the Line of Control (LoC) in occupied Kashmir.