United Nations: Antonio Guterres, the United Nations chief is ‘very concerned’ over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and has reminded the members states that they are responsible under international humanitarian law to protect civilians, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General.
The statement comes after twenty people, including 13 militants, four civilians and three armed forces were killed in three different gun fights in Shopian and Anantnag districts on Sunday. In the aftermath, more than 200 people have been injured in clashes between protesters and armed forces.
“The Secretary-General is, indeed, very concerned about the situation that we’ve seen in Jammu and Kashmir. He reminds that Member States are responsible under international humanitarian law to protect civilians,” Dujarric told reporters at his daily press briefing yesterday.
He said the Secretary-General reiterated his call on nations to find ways to address disputes in a peaceful manner.
He added that civilians need to be protected wherever they are, “whether it’s in Gaza, whether it’s in Jammu and Kashmir, or whether it’s in Yemen. It’s a basic principle of this organisation.”
When asked if the Secretary General is calling for an investigation into the matter, Dujarric said “any loss of civilians needs to be investigated wherever they occur”.
