NEW YORK: The United Nations (UN) has called upon Pakistan and India to show “maximum restraint” over a shooting incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJK).
At least 26 people were killed and 17 others injured when gunmen opened fire on visitors in the Pahalgam area of occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.
“We very much appeal to both the governments… to exercise maximum restraint, and to ensure that the situation and the developments we’ve seen do not deteriorate any further,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said while speaking to journalists.
“Any issues between Pakistan and India, we believe, can be and should be resolved peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement”.
“The secretary general is obviously following the situation very closely and with very great concern,” his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.
To a question, the spokesman said that the UN chief has not had any direct contact with the leadership of India and Pakistan.
A day after the incident India suspended a water-sharing treaty, announced the closure of the main land border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic ties, and withdrew visas for Pakistanis.
In response, Islamabad on Thursday ordered the expulsion of Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelling visas for Indian nationals – with the exception of Sikh pilgrims – and closing the main border crossing from its side.
Pakistan also warned any attempt by India to stop the supply of water from the Indus River would be an “act of war.”
Meanwhile the Senate of Pakistan has unanimously passed a resolution emphatically stating that any misadventure by India will be met with a firm, swift and decisive response.
Pakistan challenges India to produce credible evidence
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has challenged India to present credible and verifiable evidence before the international community of Pakistan’s alleged involvement in Pahalgam incident.
“India has time and again played the blame game, and if there is proof of Pakistan’s involvement, please share it with us and the world,” Dar said.
