U.N. will not intervene in Kashmir on its own: Ban Ki-moon

Kashmiri Muslim protester throws stones and bricks at police and paramilitary soldiers during a protest in Srinagar Monday, Sept. 6, 2010.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday said the U.N. would play a role in resolving the situation in Kashmir when India and Pakistan wanted the world body to step in.

"As far as this role of good offices is concerned, the United Nations normally takes that initiative when requested by both parties concerned,” Mr. Ban told journalists during his monthly briefing at the U.N. Headquarters.

“India and Pakistan, they are neighbouring countries, important nations in that region — peace and security would have important implications,” he said.

Kashmir Valley has been in grip of violent protests since June.

“I regret the latest loss of life. I have been calling for an immediate end to violence and urge calm and restraint by all concerned,” Mr. Ban said. “That is the position of the United Nations at this time.”

Last week, External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna told the U.N. that Pakistan was sponsoring terrorism in Kashmir, and this later led to a strong exchange of words between the diplomats of both nations with Islamabad accusing New Delhi of sponsoring terrorism in the region.

“Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India, is the target of Pakistan-sponsored militancy and terrorism,” Mr. Krishna had said.