The UN chief has issued a fresh appeal for India and Pakistan to lower tensions in wake of last week’s deadly militant attack on Indian troops in the disputed Kashmir region.
Antonio Guterres called on New Delhi and Islamabad to resolve their differences through “meaningful mutual engagement”, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres’ spokesman, said in a statement late Wednesday.
On Feb. 14, at least 44 Indian troops were killed when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into a paramilitary bus along the Jammu-Kashmir highway. Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), a banned Pakistani militant group, claimed the attack.
India blamed Pakistan for the attack, allegations Islamabad vehemently denied.
Condemning the attack and subsequent violence, Guterres said: “It is essential that there be accountability under international law and the perpetrators of terrorist acts be brought swiftly to justice.”
He added: “All difficult challenges can be resolved peacefully and satisfactorily through meaningful mutual engagement.”