China urges India, Pakistan to exercise restraint
January 8, 2015, 9:38 am

The troops of India and Pakistan have been targeting each other on International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir since the beginning of the new year, despite an agreement in 2003 to observe cease-fire [Xinhua]

Thousands of civilians have fled their homes as fighting between India and Pakistan spread last week along a 125-mile stretch of the disputed border splitting the Himalayan former kingdom of Kashmir.

At least 10 people have been killed by shelling and mortar fire since 31 December in the latest round of intermittent hostilities that have raged since the summer.

“As a neighbor and friend to both Pakistan and India, China hopes the two countries to control the situation through dialogue and consultation, and properly deal with their disputes,” said Hong at a regular press briefing.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson called on the two countries to work together to safeguard peace, stability and development in South Asia.

The Chinese remarks came ahead of US secretary of state, John Kerry’s visit to India on Saturday. Kerry is due to attend an investment summit promoted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the weekend. Kerry will also travel to Islamabad, according to media reports.

The troops of India and Pakistan have been targeting each other on International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir since the beginning of the new year, despite an agreement in 2003 to observe cease-fire. A Reuters report quoted D.K. Pathak, director general of India’s Border Security Force as saying Indian and Pakistani security officials have not spoken since Jan. 1 to reduce the violence .

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence in 1947.

In August 1947, India and Pakistan became independent. Under the scheme of partition provided by the Indian Independence Act of 1947, Kashmir was free to accede to India or Pakistan. Its accession to India became a matter of dispute between the two countries and fighting broke out later that year.

The military authorities of Pakistan have continued to lodge complaints with UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan about ceasefire violations.

The military authorities of India have lodged no complaints since January 1972 and have restricted the activities of the UN observers on the Indian side of the Line of Control. They have, however, continued to provide accommodation, transport and other facilities to UNMOGIP.

TBP and Agencies