‘Further military acts will worsen situation,’ US tells India-Pakistan
The US has asked Pakistan to abide by its UN Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe heaven on its soil after India handed over a dossier to a neighbouring country on specific details of the role of the Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) in the Pulwama terror attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on February 14.
"Cross-border terrorism, such as the recent attack on India's CRPF on February 14, poses a grave threat to the security of the region. We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven and block their access to funds," a State Department spokesperson said.
The US also asked India and Pakistan to hold direct talks to de-escalate the situation in both countries. "The United States calls on India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and for a return to stability. Further military activity will exacerbate the situation, including direct communication. Further military activity will exacerbate the situation," the spokesperson said.
US State dept to ANI:Cross-border terrorism,such as recent attack on India’s CRPF, poses grave threat to security of the area.We reiterate our call for Pakistan to abide by its United Nations Security Council commitments to deny terrorists safe haven & block their access to funds https://t.co/KBwf1k2z74
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2019
The day after India strikes Jaish camp in Balakot, Pakistan violated Indian air space after which forces shot down their one aircraft. In this tussle between the forces of the two countries, India lost its one aircraft and a pilot. The Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was injured and is in Pakistan’s custody.
The government has demanded an "immediate and safe return" of Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Also, the videos were taken off by Pakistan as it faced allegations of violating the Geneva Convention for prisoners. Later, one of the videos showed the pilot sipping tea, saying that "officers of the Pakistani army have looked after me well".
"We strongly object to Pakistan's vulgar display of injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody," India said.
Also read: Send back our IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman safe,’ India cautions Pakistan
First published: 28 February 2019, 9:37 IST