Avoid raising Kashmir dispute at United Nations, India asks China
- Request follows China’s push for a UN Security Council review of the UN observer mission in the disputed territory
The government issued a statement on Thursday, a day after China requested a review by the UN Security Council of the UN observer mission in Kashmir.
“China should reflect on a global consensus on Kashmir and avoid raising it at the United Nations,” Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said in New Delhi.
Most countries on the 15-member council have urged India and Pakistan to cool the dispute and resolve it between themselves.
But on Wednesday, China’s UN ambassador warned against further escalation of strife between India and Pakistan over the disputed Kashmir region and expressed hope that a Security Council meeting called by Beijing might help both countries seek a solution through dialogue.
Kumar said India had raised the matter with China in the past.
The latest flare-up in conflict was sparked by a decision by India’s Hindu nationalist-led government to end the semi-autonomous status of Muslim-majority Kashmir on August 5.
A harsh crackdown ensued, with New Delhi sending tens of thousands more troops to the already heavily militarised region, imposing a sweeping curfew, arresting thousands and cutting off virtually all communications.
Authorities have since eased several restrictions, lifting roadblocks and restoring landlines and cellphone services, but internet service is yet to be restored in the Kashmir valley.
“As per the established practices and procedures within the SCO, all eight members of the SCO as well as four observer states and other international dialogue partners will be invited [by India],” the ministry said.
India and Pakistan both became full members of the SCO in June 2017. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to promote multilateral economic cooperation.
