WASHINGTON: The United States has called for “peace and stability” along the de facto border that separates India and Pakistan in Kashmir after New Delhi the Indian-administered portion of the disputed territory of the special status.
New Delhi’s move on Monday came hours after the Indian government imposed a major security clampdown in the region, with all communication lines suspended and local politicians put under house arrest amid growing tensions following a massive deployment of troops.
Morgan Ortagus, a spokeswoman for the US Department of State, said Washington was following events in Indian-administered Kashmir “closely”.
“We are concerned about reports of detentions and urge respect for individual rights and discussion with those in affected communities,” she said in a statement.
“We call on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control,” she added, referring to the de facto border.
India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in full, but administer separate portions of the region since gaining independence from the British in 1947.
The nuclear-armed neighbors have fought two of their three wars over the territory.
Meanwhile, Islamabad has condemned New Delhi’s latest move, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan saying it “was in clear violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions” in the region.
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