Kashmir row: UN deeply concerned, US urges for dialogue

The UN has said the latest restrictions imposed on Indian-administered Kashmir are deeply concerning and "will exacerbate the human rights situation", BBC reported.

On the other hand, Washington has verbally intervened in the conflict between New Delhi and Islamabad, cautiously urging the nuclear powers to engage in dialogue to avoid further escalation of tensions.

A UN spokesperson highlighted a telecommunications ban, the arbitrary detention of leaders and a ban on political assembly.

The region has been on lockdown since Sunday with communication cut off.

It came as India made the controversial decision to remove its special constitutional status.

“We continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern,” the US State Department said on Wednesday, after Pakistan downgraded the diplomatic ties with India and expelled the country’s envoy. On Monday, India revoked the special status of the Jammu and Kashmir province, which is majority Muslim.

Tensions between the neighbors have been running high since February, after New Delhi launched airstrikes against terrorist camps within Pakistani territory in retaliation to a deadly suicide attack against its troops.

Source: RT