Life in Kashmir stands still: US wants Pak-India talks

The Dhaka Times Desk Despite Modi's speech on the Kashmir issue, the situation is still prevailing in the entire Kashmir region. Due to the curfew, there has been a standstill in public life there.

Despite Modi's speech on the Kashmir issue, the situation is still prevailing in the entire Kashmir region. Due to the curfew, there has been a standstill in public life there.

In this situation, the United States wants talks between Pakistan and India. UN Secretary General said, there is no chance to change the map of Kashmir.

Currently, the people of Indian-administered Kashmir are almost under house arrest. All the main roads from Oligli are in the possession of the army. In a word, stagnant public life. Many poor day laborers who go to Kashmir from other states are also in dire straits.

এক দিনমজুর বলছেন, ‘কারফিউর কারণে এখানে এখন এক যুদ্ধাবস্থা বিরাজ করছে। স্থানীয়রা আমাদেরকে কাশ্মীর ছাড়ার হুমকি দিয়েছেন। কীভাবে সেখানে যাবো কিছুই বুঝতে পারছি না। কয়েকদিন ধরেই না খেয়ে রয়েছি।’

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi sang Safai in his address to the nation last Thursday night. He gave various assurances.

Narendra Modi said that terrorism and separatism will be eradicated from Kashmir together. We want to make this paradise attractive to the whole world through development. The status of the state can be restored only when the situation is normal.

On the other hand, there was a gunfight between the Pak-India border guards in Rajouri sector. Pakistan calls Modi's decision a violation of international law.

পাকিস্তানের পররাষ্ট্রমন্ত্রী শাহ মেহমুদ কোরেশি বলেছেন, ‘পরিস্থিতি এমন অবস্থা যে প্রতিটি ঘরের দরজাতেই সেনা মোতায়েন করেছে ভারত। পুরো কাশ্মীর যেনো এক কারাগারে পরিণত হয়েছে। আমাদের শঙ্কা পুলওয়ামা স্টাইলে নতুন নাটক সাজাতে পারেন মোদি সরকার।’

Meanwhile, the US State Department says that the US will welcome talks between Pakistan and India on this issue. The UN Secretary General has warned that no one has the authority to change the map of Kashmir as per the Security Council Resolution and the Shimla Agreement.

UN Secretary-General's spokesperson Stephen Dujarric also said that the Secretary-General is concerned about excessive use of force in Kashmir. He called upon both India and Pakistan to refrain from actions that undermine the dignity of Kashmir.

Washington called on all parties to exercise restraint to maintain peace and stability. US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said, We welcome direct talks between Pakistan and India on the Kashmir issue.