The United States has expressed concern over ongoing violence in Kashmir and urged a peaceful solution to the crisis.
“We support any and all positive steps that India and Pakistan can take to forge closer relations,” Elizabeth Trudeau, a State Department spokesperson, said.
“We’re aware of the clashes. We remain concerned about the violence and we encourage to all sides to make efforts for finding a peaceful resolution,” shesaid, responding to a question at the daily Press briefing.
Clashes between civilians and Indian security forces erupted after the killing of Burhan Wani during a military operation on July 8. Kashmiris view Wani as a freedom fighter while New Delhi sees him as militant separatist. According to media accounts, more than 70 people have been killed and nearly 5,000 others injured so far during the ongoing violence.
Meanwhile, at a seminar on the Capitol Hill, Kashmiri Americans condemned the Indian security forces’ repression in the Indian administered Kashmir. Pakistani Americans also spoke at the event organized by Pakistani American Congress.
Deputy Chief of the Mission at the Pakistani embassy, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, said Kashmir is a UN recognized dispute and UN Security Council’s resolution provide the basis for a settlement of the dispute through realization of Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Former diplomat Ambassador Touqir Hussain said India cannot roll the longstanding issue under the carpet by suppressing the voice of the people.
Todd Shea, an American humanitarian and Asad Chaudhry, representing PAC, also spoke at the event.
