UN chief concerned about situation deterioration in Kashmir

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday expressed his deep concern over the deterioration of the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir in recent days.

LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India and Pakistan controlled parts. Pakistan military said on Wednesday that Indians crossed the LoC and killed at least seven bus passengers and three soldiers.

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ban called on all involved to prioritize the restoration of calm and stability in order to prevent any further escalation and loss of life.

"The Secretary-General trusts that the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan can find common ground and work towards a sustainable peace," said the statement.

"The United Nations stands by the people of the region and supports all efforts to reach durable peace and security," it added.

There has been tension escalation along the LoC since an army base in the Indian-controlled Kashmir was attacked in September. Both New Delhi and Islamabad have accused each other of resorting to unprovoked firings and violating cease-fire agreements.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain in 1947, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. Endit