As tensions continue to escalate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, the United States has urged the two South Asian neighbors to hold peace talks in the interest of regional security.
The State Department said anything that does not calm differences between the two countries is not helpful.
“What I would say is I have seen reports, and anything that does not lead to a calm and peaceful and moderate resolution of differences is not helpful,” Elizabeth Trudeau, a spokesperson at the State Department said.
She was replying to a questions about media reports that Hizbul Mujahideen militant leader Syed Salahuddin has threatened nuclear warfare with India over Kashmir.
“We believe that for regional safety and security, it is the responsibility of the two countries not only to speak directly to each other but also to have that support within the broader international community.” she added.
“I am not going to respond to every piece of rhetoric that I have seen coming out of that. Of course violence is a concern to us, but what I would say is that issues like this are best resolved through dialogue between those countries,” Trudeau told reporters at the daily briefing.
Pakistan-India tensions have ratcheted up following fresh unrest in Kashmir where killing of a Burhan Wani – seen as militant by New Delhi and freedom fighter by the people of Kashmir – and subsequent civilian deaths during widespread demonstrations have plunged the disputed territory into violence. The United Nations and Washington have voiced concern over violence against civilians and want both Islamabad and New Delhi to resume their stalled peace process to resolve disputes.
