UN expresses concern over growing escalation at LoC

NEW YORK: Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon has expressed his concern over the hostile situation along the Line of Control in Kashmir, ARY News reported.

According to a statement, the UN Secretary has urged Pakistan and India to find common ground and work together for peace.

He also called on all parties of Kashmir dispute to prioritize restoration of peace and stability for preventing any loss of life and escalation in the region.

“The United Nations stands by the people of the region and supports all efforts to reach durable peace and security,” the statement read.

Pakistan and India are at loggerheads as the Narendra Modi-led Indian government accuses Pakistan for an attack on Indian military base in Uri sector of the Occupied Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 19 Indian troops.

The incident caused an escalation on the borders. Indian Director General of Military Operations, after an incident of the cross border firing, claimed that the country’s forces carried out surgical strikes within Pakistan.

No evidence regarding the so-called surgical strike were found on the ground, which questioned the credibility of the Indian claim.

Recently, at least nine people — including three Pakistan Army soldiers — were killed when Indian forces resorted to unprovoked fire at different parts of the Line of Control in Kashmir on Wednesday.

Pakistan’s top military officials have stated that the armed forces are ready to deal with all kinds of hostilities and will give a befitting response to any adventurism by India.