India asks China not to raise Kashmir issue at UN

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday asked China not to raise the Kashmir dispute at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), insisting it is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

The Indian government issued a statement on Thursday, a day after China requested a review by the UN Security Council of the UN observer mission in Kashmir.

“China should reflect on a global consensus on Kashmir and avoid raising it at the United Nations,” India's External Affairs Ministry Spokesman Raveesh Kumar told reporters in New Delhi.

Most countries on the 15-member council have urged India and Pakistan to cool the dispute and resolve it between themselves. But on Wednesday, China's UN ambassador warned against further escalation of strife between Islamabad and New Delhi over occupied Kashmir and expressed hope that a Security Council meeting called by Beijing might help both countries seek a solution through dialogue.

Kumar said India has raised the matter with China in the past.

The latest flare up in conflict was sparked by India’s Hindu nationalist-led government’s decision to end the semi-autonomous status of Muslim-majority occupied Kashmir on August 5.

A harsh crackdown ensued, with New Delhi sending tens of thousands more troops to the already heavily militarised region, imposing a sweeping curfew, arresting thousands and cutting off virtually all communications. Authorities have since claimed to have eased several restrictions, lifting roadblocks and restoring landlines and cellphone services, but Internet service is yet to be restored in the occupied valley.