US ‘concerned’ over violence in Kashmir

Washington, Aug 16:

The United States has expressed concern over violence in the Kashmir Valley and urged India and Pakistan to find a “peaceful resolution” to the Kashmir dispute.

“We are aware of the clashes (in the Kashmir Valley). We remain concerned about the violence and we encourage all sides to make efforts to finding a peaceful resolution,” State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau told reporters here.

Trudeau was asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s open support to freedom for Balochistan in Pakistan and parts of Kashmir under Islamabad’s control.

She refused to be dragged into it and said the US has not changed its position on Kashmir that it remains a bilateral issue between the two countries.

“Our position on Kashmir has not changed. The pace, the scope, the character of any discussions in Kashmir is for the two sides to determine,” Trudeau said in her daily briefing on Monday.

“We support any and all positive steps that India and Pakistan can take to forge closer relations.”

The Kashmir Valley has been tense after the July 8 killing of rebel commander Burhan Wani triggered widespread clashes between protesters and security forces. At least 65 people have been killed in five weeks of the unrest. (IANS)