Kashmir Tensions: Malaysia Asks India, Pakistan to Talk
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Malaysia has called on India and Pakistan to engage with each other and hold dialogue as tensions are escalating over the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Malaysia is monitoring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Malaysia has close and friendly relations with both India and Pakistan,” Malaysian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement came after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke to his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad about India’s move to abrogate the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir.
"Malaysia encourages the two close neighbors to re-engage in dialogue and negotiations with a view to de-escalate the ongoing situation and finding an amicable solution," the statement added, Anadolu Agency reported.
Khan, whose country controls a part of Kashmir, on Tuesday spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the issue, who promised to play his role in reducing mounting tensions in the region.
On Monday, the New Delhi government revoked the special status of India-administered Kashmir, in a move that risks fueling already heightened tensions with neighboring Pakistan.
The presidential decree has revoked Article 370 of India's constitution that guaranteed special rights to the Muslim-majority state, including its right to its own constitution and decision-making process for all matters except defense, communications and foreign affairs.
In the lead-up to its move, India sent thousands of additional troops to the region, imposing a curfew on parts of it, shutting down telecommunications and arresting political leaders.
Both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in full, but rule it in part. The two neighbors have fought two of their three wars over the disputed territory.
