Iran urges Kashmir opposing sides to show restraint
Iran has expressed regret over the recent deadly incidents in Indian-controlled Kashmir, urging the opposing sides to exercise restraint.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran will support any move in line with the interests of the Kashmiri people," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Monday, Press TV reported.
He added that Tehran is ready to take "effective steps" to ease tension if requested.
At least 20 people lost their lives in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Sunday in a number of fierce gun battles between Indian security forces and suspected separatist militants in the restive Himalayan region.
Three simultaneous counter-terror operations in Shopian and Anantnag districts of Jammu and Kashmir, in southern parts of the volatile region, which were launched late Saturday and continue, have killed 13 suspected militants.
According to Indian police on Sunday, three members of security forces also lost their lives in the fighting and four civilians were killed in ensuing violent protests held by locals against the operations.
A day after deadly anti-New Delhi protests and clashes between the army and pro-independence militants, people staged a strike in Indian-controlled Kashmir, parts of which remain under curfew.
Most of Indian-controlled Kashmir was shuttered on Monday due to the Indian army’s clampdown and the pubic strike.
Tensions are high in the Indian-controlled region, where the Muslim-majority population stages regular protests against the Indian rule and demands autonomy from New Delhi.
India regularly accuses Pakistan of arming and training militants and allowing them across the restive frontier in an attempt to launch attacks on Indian forces. Pakistan strongly denies the allegation
Last year was the deadliest of the current decade in the disputed Kashmir region, with more than 200 militants killed in a counter-insurgency offensive dubbed “Operation All Out.”
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