 "'Military solution is no solution': UN chief urges 'maximum restraint' as India-Pak tensions reach boiling point")
UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday urged India and Pakistan to exercise “maximum restraint”, emphasising that “a military solution is no solution” amid escalating tensions between the two countries.
Guterres said tensions between nuclear-armed foes are at “their highest in years” and offered his good offices to both the countries, saying UN stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation.
“Relations have reached “a boiling point,” AFP quoted Guterres as saying, warning it was “essential … to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control… military solution is no solution. Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink.”
Guterres once again condemned the Pahalgam attack which claimed 26 lives — including one Nepali national — and left many others injured.
The attack took place when armed militants opened fire in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist destination often referred to as “Mini Switzerland” for its scenic beauty.
India has since pledged to pursue and punish all those responsible for the attack.
New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for the deadly attack, triggering a wave of sharp warnings and reciprocal diplomatic actions between the two countries.
Pakistan has denied any involvement and called for an independent probe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his military “full operational freedom” to respond and Islamabad has warned it will hit back against any aggression.
Amid the escalating tensions, Pakistan’s military announced on Monday that it had carried out a second missile test since the standoff began.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is set to convene today to address rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
With inputs from agencies
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