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US urges both India and Pakistan to pursue dialogue

By Web Desk
October 19, 2016

WASHINGTON: The United States on Tuesday urged both India and Pakistan to pursue dialogues in a bid to reduce tensions in the region. 

Department of State deputy spokesman Mark Toner addressed a press briefing and said that the USA believed dialogue between India and Pakistan would reduce tensions between the two states. 

Toner said that the United States had been pressurizing Pakistan to go after and initiate a crackdown against terrorists that seek a safe haven on its soil. The Department of State deputy spokesman further said that USA supported a peace process which was owned by the Afghans and also led by them. 

Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan ever since the Uri attack in India on September 18 in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed. India blamed Pakistan for having a hand in the attack without proper investigation while the latter denied any involvement.  

Two Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom in one of many unprovoked firing across the LoC last month. The incident was painted as a surgical strike by senior Indian officials, in a move apparently aimed to satisfy the public. Pakistan once again, vehemently denied Indian claims which were not supported by any evidence.