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Amid Flared-up Borders, UN says Its Chief ‘Closely Monitoring’ Indo-Pak Tensions

The Secretary-General, “a student of history”, knows what has happened

Srinagar: As Indian and Pakistani armies continue to exchange fire on borders in J&K, the United Nations – the trans-national body – has said that it is “closely monitoring the Indo-Pak tensions”.

In his daily press briefing, spokesperson for the UN Chief, Stephane Dujarric, said, “UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is watching the rising tensions between India and Pakistan very closely and reiterates the need for the South Asian neighbours to find a peaceful solution through engagement and dialogue.”

However, on Wednesday, Indian Defence ministry spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta said, “Pakistan army started unprovoked ceasefire violation in Balakot sector at 12:50 am which continued till 1.30 a.m. today (Wednesday).”

Dujarric, responding to a question, asserted that the Secretary General is “not reluctant” to focus on the issue.

“I don’t think it’s a matter of reluctance. As I said, he’s obviously watching the situation very closely and reiterates his need for the parties to find a peaceful solution through engagement and dialogue,” Dujarric said.

At least one thousand residents were vacated from Rajouri belt along the Line of Control (LoC) – the de facto border between the nuclear armed neighbours – in past few days because of the mortar shelling.

The Secretary-General, “a student of history”, knows what has happened, Dujarric said referring to similar tense and volatile situations in the world.

Dujarric has repeatedly said that Guterres is following the situation in Kashmir amid escalating tensions at the border between India and Pakistan.

However, so far, the UN Chief has not made any direct intervention to resolve the issue and his spokesperson has repeatedly said the UN Chief reiterates his call for India and Pakistan to find a peaceful solution through engagement and dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue.

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