Kashmir flare-up: UN urges Pakistan, India to 'exercise maximum restraint'

UN observer group reported increased military activity at LoC over recent days, says spokesman Stephane Dujarric

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations (UN) has urged India and Pakistan to "exercise maximum restraint" amid escalating tensions between the two countries along the Line of Control (LoC).

"The UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) observed and reported an increase in military activity at the Line of Control in recent days," UN Secretary-General's Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a written response to an APP inquiry.

"The United Nations appeals to both sides to exercise maximum restraint to ensure that the situation does not further deteriorate," he said.

The UNMOGIP was deployed in January 1949 to supervise the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in the disputed State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan allows UN observers to monitor the LoC but India does not.

The group, based in Rawalpindi,  is composed of 44 military observers, supported by 25 international civilian personnel and 47 local civilian staff.

The UN's advice for caution comes as authorities in occupied Kashmir placed large parts of the disputed region under lockdown early Monday, while India sent in tens of thousands of additional troops and traded accusations of clashes with Pakistan along LoC.

Communications were cut, with private mobile networks, internet services and telephone landlines cut, an AFP reporter said.

Before the network disruptions, senior former and current Kashmiri political leaders tweeted that they had been put under house arrest.

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The latest tensions started in the last 10 days after New Delhi deployed at least 10,000 troops. A security source told AFP a further 70,000 had been deployed, which is believed to be an unprecedented level.

The government has introduced other security measures over terror threat claims - including a call to stock up food and fuel.

The measures have sparked growing panic among residents, who formed long queues outside petrol stations, food stores and cash machines.

A heavy presence of troops was seen in parts of Srinagar as gunshots sounded, although the streets remained empty, local residents told AFP.

 

With additional input from AFP.