UN chief calls for 'meaningful' engagement between India and Pakistan

Published February 21, 2019
This is the second statement issued by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres after the Pulwama attack. — File
This is the second statement issued by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres after the Pulwama attack. — File

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Geterres called upon India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through "meaningful mutual engagement".

This is the second statement issued by the UN secretary general on the rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of a suicide bombing attack in Pulwama district of Indian-occupied Kashmir. More than 40 Indian paramilitaries were killed in the attack, said to be claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Guterres condemned the attack yet again and said that the perpetrators of the attack should be brought to justice.

On Tuesday, Guterres had urged both countries to "exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions". He offered his "good offices" to ease tensions.

Tensions rose between the neighbouring countries after India held Pakistan responsible for the attack and hinted at military action. Pakistan strongly denied the allegations, calling for investigation and expressed grave concern.

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