China calls on India to properly handle Kashmir situation

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Clashes broke out between civilians and the security forces after the killing of Burhan Wani. (Photo courtesy: H U Naqash)
Clashes broke out between civilians and the security forces after the killing of Burhan Wani. (Photo courtesy: H U Naqash)

(TibetanReview.net, Jul20, 2016) – China which claims to adhere to a policy of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs has on Jul 18 expressed concern over the situation in Kashmir in the Jammu and Kashmir State of India in the aftermath of the killing of the leader of a terrorist group during an army operation on Jul 8. Justifying his country’s right to comment on the situation, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang has said in a press release that Beijing’s position on the Kashmir issue has been consistent, namely that it is a disputed territory.

China’s official Xinhua news agency Jul 18 cited Lu as saying his country was concerned about the deaths and casualties caused as a result of clashes between civilians and Indian security forces which broke out after the killing of 22-year-old Burhan Wani of the militant group Hizbul Mujahideen.

India’s arch-enemy Pakistan had earlier strongly criticized India for the killing of Burhan Wani and its handling of the violent protests which erupted in its aftermath.

China is the only other country which has officially commented on the developments in Kashmir, calling for a “proper settlement of clashes in Indian-controlled Kashmir”. Lu hoped “relevant parties can resolve the issue through peaceful means”. According to the hindustantimes.com Jul 19, the press release also reiterated China’s position that India and Pakistan should resolve the issue through “dialogue”. And it has expressed “hope that relevant incident will be handled properly,” contending that “the Kashmir issue is left over from history.”

The press release was apparently meant to express solidarity with China’s “all-weather friend” Pakistan which also raised the issue in the UN, where India accused Islamabad of using terrorism as instrument of state policy.

The Xinhua report said more than 40 people had been killed and nearly 2,000 others injured so far during the clashes.

Normal life remains paralyzed in Kashmir due to curfew imposed after a strike call by separatists in the aftermath of Burhan Wani’s killing.

Meanwhile, speaking in parliament, India’s Home Minister Mr Rajnath Singh on Jul 18 blamed Pakistan for stoking the violence in Kashmir.

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