UN and US concerned over surging violence in Indian-held Kashmir

UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has been worried by the spread of unrest in the Indian-held Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani.

Stephane Dujarric, a UN spokesperson told reporters on Monday that the UN chief has been noting the tense situation unfolding in Kashmir with concern.

“He (the UN chief) regrets the reported loss of dozens of lives and the injuries to many others,” Dujarric said and added, “He (the UN chief) calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further violence and hopes that all concerns would be addressed through peaceful means.”

Meanwhile, the White House has urged all sides to make efforts towards finding a peaceful solution to the Kashmir dispute.

Speaking to reporters at a daily news briefing, spokesperson for the United States Department of State, John Kirby said that the reports of violent clashes between the Indian troops and civilians have been disturbing.

“Obviously, we’re concerned about the violence. We encourage all sides to make efforts towards finding a peaceful resolution. This is really a matter for the Government of India to speak to specifically, and I’d refer you to them for more comment,” said Kirby.

Clashes continue to intensify on Tuesday. Most of the killed protesters received gunshot wounds as Indian forces fired live ammunition and tear gas to try to enforce a curfew imposed across the Indian-held Kashmir Valley.