United Nations (UN) chief Antonio Guterres, who arrived on a four-day visit to Pakistan, offered to mediate between two countries (India-Pakistan) over Jammu and Kashmir issue. To this, India gave a befitting reply, saying that the region is and will remain an integral part of India and the issue that needs attention most is to resolve illegal and forcibly occupied territory by Pakistan. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ravish Kumar said that no third party mediation has any role on Kashmir issue. Ravish’s remarks came after UN Secretary-General Gutarres remarked about situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Gutarres, who visited Pakistan, said that if the two countries agree, they are ready to mediate. A Foreign Ministry spokesman said, “India’s position has not changed. Jammu and Kashmir was, and will remain an integral part of India. The issue that needs to be addressed is to resolve the illegal and forcibly occupied territory by Pakistan, if there is any issue ahead of it, it will be discussed bilaterally. There is no role or scope for third party arbitration.
Guterres is currently on a four-day visit to Pakistan. After meeting Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Islamabad, Gutarres expressed deep concern during press conference on situation in Jammu and Kashmir and ongoing tension along Line of Control. The UN Secretary-General said that it was important for India and Pakistan to reduce military tensions in the region and exercise greater restraint on Kashmir issue. “The diplomacy and dialogue are still the only means for peace and stability, along with a solution in line with the resolution of United Nations Charter and Security Council,” Gutarres said. He said that if both countries agree then they are ready to mediate.
India rejects UN chief Antonio Guterres’ offer of Kashmir mediation with Pakistan
