UNITED NATIONS, Aug 4 (APP): The United Nations continues to follow developments in Indian-held Kashmir where the killings of two more civilians by government troops brought out tens of thousands of protesters rallied amid a nearly month-long security lockdown, a UN spokesman said Thursday.
According to media reports, Angry Kashmiris chanted “Go India, go back” and “We want freedom” at huge demonstrations held in the Pampore area and a neighbourhood in Srinagar.
“We continue to monitor the situation there,” Associate UN Spokesman Farhan Haq said when a Pakistani journalist sought Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s comments over the latest killings by Indian troops.
He said the UN chief’s position on the clashes was stated last month.
A statement released by Ban’s Spokesman Stephane Dujarric on July 12 said, “The Secretary-General is closely following the recent clashes in Kashmir. He regrets the reported loss of dozens of lives and the injuries to many others. He calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further violence and hopes that all concerns would be addressed through peaceful means.”
Widespreard protests erupted in Kashmir in the wake of the killing by Indian troops of popular Kashmiri youth leader Burhan Wani. Resorting to brutal tactics, Indian security forces have killed over 50 Kashmiri civilians and wounding about 5,000 more.
