As war clouds hover over the subcontinent, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged India and Pakistan to avoid escalation of the situation amid reports of troops exchanging fire across the Line of Control in Kashmir.

“The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the situation between India and Pakistan”, his spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a written response to a reporter’s query. 

“He strongly urges both Governments to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any escalation”, Haq said on Monday. 

For the fourth day running on Monday, the Pakistan Army launched unprovoked firing with small arms across the Line of Control (LoC)

in Jammu and Kashmir, and “Indian troops responded swiftly and effectively”, the Indian defence ministry spokesperson said. 

Haq said the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) “has no presence in the area where the attack happened”. 

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told a TV outlet that there was “an immediate threat” of a confrontation.   

“The Secretary-General reaffirms his firm belief that even the most challenging issues can be resolved peacefully through meaningful and constructive dialogue”, Haq said.  

“He stands ready to support any initiatives, acceptable to both parties, that promote and the resumption of dialogue”, he added. 

India is opposed to any third-party involvement in disputes with its neighbour citing the 1972 Simla Agreement between the leaders of the two countries declaring their disputes bilateral. 

Haq said, “The Secretary-General conveys his solidarity with the families of the victims of the 22 April terrorist attack and underscores the importance of accountability and justice”.