United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday once again called on India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" amid tensions over Kashmir.
"The secretary-general has been following the situation in Jammu and Kashmir with concern and makes an appeal for maximum restraint," according to a statement issued by the UN chief's spokesman.
"The position of the United Nations on this region is governed by the Charter of the United Nations and applicable Security Council resolutions," it said.
"The secretary-general also recalls the 1972 Agreement on bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, also known as the Simla Agreement, which states that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be settled by peaceful means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations," according to the statement.
"The secretary-general is also concerned over reports of restrictions on the Indian-side of Kashmir, which could exacerbate the human rights situation in the region," it said, adding, "The secretary-general calls on all parties to refrain from taking steps that could affect the status of Jammu and Kashmir."
An Indian presidential decree issued on Monday revoked Article 370 of India's constitution that guaranteed special rights to Kashmir.
In the lead-up to the move, India sent thousands of additional troops to the disputed region, imposing a crippling curfew, shutting down telecommunications and internet, and arresting political leaders.
The move has reportedly worsened the already-heightened tensions with neighboring Pakistan.
The UN chief on Monday urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, after India revoked the special status of Kashmir, which has long been a flashpoint in ties with neighboring Pakistan.
On Tuesday, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Guterres, declined to comment on questions at the daily press briefing that India's decision to revoke Kashmir's special status was in violation of Security Council resolutions, reiterating only that the secretary-general was following the developments in the region with concern.
Pakistan on Wednesday asked India to withdraw its high commissioner after the country decided to downgrade diplomatic relations and suspend trade ties with India during a national security committee meeting amid recent Kashmir tensions.
The Indian and Pakistani troops recently crossed fire and shelled each other several times near the Line of Actual Control in Kashmir. Enditem
