UN Security Council denounces terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir
The UN Security Council has vehemently denounced the fatal terrorist episode in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 tourists and many injuries. They are urging accountability and international collaboration to ensure the attackers face justice.
In a press statement released on Friday, Council members conveyed their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the victims’ families and to the governments of India and Nepal. They also wished for a swift and complete recovery for those injured in the attack on Tuesday, when a group of gunmen opened fire on tourists in the Himalayan territory claimed by both India and Pakistan.
“Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,”
the ambassadors stated.
They stressed that such acts are “criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.”
They emphasised the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, operators, and backers responsible and ensure they face justice. They called on all States to actively cooperate with all relevant authorities, adhering to their obligations under international law and pertinent Security Council resolutions.
Ambassadors reiterated the necessity for States to “combat by all means” threats to international peace and security that arise from acts of terrorism, in line with the UN Charter and other international law obligations.
At the same time, the UN is closely monitoring the situation in the region “with very deep concern,” according to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
“We once more call on both the Government of India and the Government of Pakistan to show utmost restraint to prevent further deterioration of the situation,” he stated during the routine news briefing in New York on Friday. Both India and Pakistan govern portions of Kashmir, yet they assert claims over the entire region.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been active in the conflict between India and Pakistan, and especially regarding Jammu and Kashmir, since the late 1940s. The UNSC has issued several resolutions calling for ceasefires, demilitarization, and the initiation of negotiations and peaceful settlement.
The UNSC issued a call for a ceasefire, demilitarization, and a plebiscite to decide the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Of particular interest is Resolution 47 (1948), which created the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP), followed by subsequent resolutions like S/RES/91 (1951), which established the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to observe the ceasefire line.
