LoC violations: US concerned over border clashes, urges dialogue
At least 12 people have been killed from Indian firing along the LoC and Working Boundary over the past two weeks
WASHINGTON:
Voicing concerns over escalation in violence along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region, a top American envoy said the United States had raised the issue with both Pakistan and India, asking them to resolve the tensions through dialogue.
"We are extremely concerned by reports of violence over the last two weeks along the LoC and the working boundary," US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Dan Feldman told a Washington think tank.
"I've personally raised these concerns with each side, and urged them to engage in dialogue to reduce tensions and end the violence," he said in a speech to the Atlantic Council.
Feldman noted "there is no relationship more critical to Pakistan's future than its relationship with its neighbor."
"And I am convinced that India's rise in prosperity and global leadership cannot be fully realised until it has a better relationship with Pakistan," he added.
Pakistan on Thursday demanded an immediate end to “unprovoked” firing and shelling by Indian forces.
At least 12 people have been killed and 64 others injured in Indian firing along the LoC and Working Boundary over the past two weeks. Unprovoked Indian firing has triggered an exodus of people from the villages near the border.
Clashes occur regularly along the LoC as well as the Working Boundary. However, the latest shelling which began over a week ago, has been unusual in its intensity and frequency.
Voicing concerns over escalation in violence along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Kashmir region, a top American envoy said the United States had raised the issue with both Pakistan and India, asking them to resolve the tensions through dialogue.
"We are extremely concerned by reports of violence over the last two weeks along the LoC and the working boundary," US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Dan Feldman told a Washington think tank.
"I've personally raised these concerns with each side, and urged them to engage in dialogue to reduce tensions and end the violence," he said in a speech to the Atlantic Council.
Feldman noted "there is no relationship more critical to Pakistan's future than its relationship with its neighbor."
"And I am convinced that India's rise in prosperity and global leadership cannot be fully realised until it has a better relationship with Pakistan," he added.
Pakistan on Thursday demanded an immediate end to “unprovoked” firing and shelling by Indian forces.
At least 12 people have been killed and 64 others injured in Indian firing along the LoC and Working Boundary over the past two weeks. Unprovoked Indian firing has triggered an exodus of people from the villages near the border.
Clashes occur regularly along the LoC as well as the Working Boundary. However, the latest shelling which began over a week ago, has been unusual in its intensity and frequency.