The US has said India and Pakistan must determine the “pace, scope and character” of any discussions about the Kashmir conflict.
“Our position on Kashmir has not changed. The pace, the scope, the character of any discussions on Kashmir is for the two sides to determine. We support any and all positive steps that India and
Pakistan can take to forge closer relations,”
State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau said.
“We’re aware of the clashes. We remain concerned about the violence and we encourage to all sides to make efforts for finding a peaceful resolution,” Trudeau added.
However she did not respond to questions on the remarks by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address on Monday.
“I wouldn’t speak to Mr Modi’s comments, that would be for him to speak to,” Trudeau said.
Modi brought up the issue of Pakistani atrocities on the people of Balochistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir in his speech on Monday.
“From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I want to express my gratitude to some people—the people of Balochistan, Gilgit and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK)—for the way they whole-heartedly thanked me, the way they expressed gratitude to me, the way they conveyed their goodwill to me recently,” Modi said.
Responding to his remarks, Pakistan said his references to Balochistan and PoK were an attempt to divert world attention from the “grim tragedy” that has been unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir.
India and Pakistan have been engaged in a war of words over Pakistan and its prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s statements on the situation in Kashmir which has been witnessing unrest following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
