UN asks India, Pak resolve their issues through dialogue

, Oct 8: Amid escalation of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki moon has asked India and Pakistan to resolve their issues diplomatically and through dialogue.

"The Secretary-General would call on both countries to resolve their issues diplomatically and through discussions," Ban's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters yesterday in response to a question on whether the UN chief can play a role in bringing about peace between the two countries.

In escalating ceasefire violations that continued last night, Pakistani troops targeted over 40 Border Out Posts and 25 border hamlets with heavy mortar shells in Jammu sector and LoC areas in Poonch district, leaving 12 people injured. It came a day after five villagers were killed and 34 injured in one of the worst ceasefire violations by Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also lodged a protest with India on the alleged ceasefire violations and has even approached the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) office over the situation.

India has however always maintained that UNMOGIP has "outlived its relevance" and has "no role to play whatsoever".

PTI