New Delhi (NVI): The United States has condemned the terrorists who seek to infiltrate across the Line of Control (LoC) and supported a direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir.
While addressing a daily news conference, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, “We have continued to follow very closely developments in Jammu and Kashmir. Our policy towards the region has not changed.”
“We call on all parties to reduce tensions along the Line of Control by returning to the 2003 ceasefire commitments,” he added.
“We condemn terrorists who seek to infiltrate across the Line of Control. When it comes to how we will support that, we continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other areas of concern,” Price said in response to a question.
Earlier on Wednesday, the US had welcomed the steps taken by India to return the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to full economic and political normalcy, consistent with the country’s democratic values.
The State Department’s statement comes after India and Pakistan armies announced that they would stop the cross border firing along the Line of Control from midnight of February 24 and 25 in order to have a peaceful atmosphere along the disputed border.
This was announced by the Defence Ministry after a telephonic conversation between the Director-General of Military Operations (DGMOs) from the two armies over the hotline.
“Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021,” read the official statement.
-CHK
