ISLAMABAD: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the need for respecting human rights in Indian Occupied Kashmir, which is under repressive lockdown for over six weeks now, and urged India and Pakistan to find a solution to the grave crisis through dialogue.

Responding to a question from a Pakistani journalist at his crowded press conference marking the start of the General Assembly’s 74th session, he said he would continue to advocate for the peaceful settlement of the decades-old Kashmir dispute.

“The situation [in the Indian-occupied Kashmir] is worsening with every passing day,” he said, adding the stance of the United Nations remains unchanged on the disputed territory.

Reiterating his resolve, Guterres said he is ready to play his role for the solution of decade long conflict between both the countries if they want.

Life in the occupied valley is paralyzed due to continued military siege from August 5, after the Modi government revoked article 370 to end valley’s special status. The Kashmiris are forced to stay at home because of the curfew imposed in the valley by the Indian government. The curfew has entered 46th day now.

Kashmir Issue: UN monitoring worsening situation

Earlier last month, a spokesman to the UN Secretary General had stated that they obviously continue to follow the situation very closely in Jammu and Kashmir and also reports of restrictions in the Indian-administered side of the Line of Control.

Spokesman held that Secretary-General was “monitoring the worsening situation in Indian occupied Kashmir, especially tightening restrictions and mass arrests.”

News Pakistan