Expressing concern over the Pakistani attack yesterday along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, the United States hoped India and Pakistan would continue with their peace talks and reiterated that its position on Kashmir has not changed.
In a provocative attack, a group of 20 heavily armed intruders led by Pakistani troops entered 450 metres into Indian territory in the Poonch sector in J&K in the wee hours yesterday and ambushed a patrol killing five Indian soldiers.
“We are aware of these unconfirmed reports and are concerned about any violence along the line of control. The policy on Kashmir has not changed,” State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.
“We still believe that the pace, scope and character of India and Pakistan’s dialogue on Kashmir is for those two countries to determine,” she said in response to a question.
“We hope that India and Pakistan will continue the steps they’ve recently taken to improve their bilateral relations,” Psaki said when asked if the US believes that the killing of five Indian soldiers on the LoC will have an impact on the peace process.