UN Security Council
Pakistan requested the Security Council meeting on 13 August, and it was subsequently called for by Permanent Member, China. A closed-door meeting was held on 16th August 2019 evening in the Security Council [consultation room], concluded without any formal observation. India and Pakistan both were not members of the consultation.
Pakistan’s Ambassador, Maleeha Lodhi said the meeting had allowed “the voice of the people of the occupied Kashmir” to be heard “in the highest diplomatic forum of the world.” She argued that “the fact that this meeting took place, is testimony to the fact that this is an international dispute.”
Syed Akbaruddin, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council, addresses the media after the meeting took place behind closed doors in New York, by saying that-
“Our national position was and remains that matter related to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution is entirely an internal matter of India.
These have no external ramifications, the recent decisions taken by the government of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, social economic development is enhance for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
We’re committed to gradually removing all restrictions. Since the change is internal to India, have not made any difference to our external orientation. India remains committed to ensure that the situation there (J&K) remains calm and peaceful.”
He said that the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir had announced measures which would return the region towards a state of “normalcy”
“India remains committed to ensure that the situation there remains calm and peaceful. We are committed to all the agreements that we have signed on this issue.”
But without naming names, he stated that “of particular concern is that one state is using terminology of jihad against and promoting violence in India, including by their leaders”, adding that India was committed to the principle “that all issues between India and Pakistan, as well as India and any other country, will be resolved bilaterally, peacefully, and in a manner that behooves normal inter-state relations between countries.”
The Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Jun, spoke to reporters outside the chamber following deliberations, urging both India and Pakistan to “refrain from taking any unilateral action which might further aggravate” what was an already “tense and very dangerous” situation.
Ambassador Zhang said Council members[Permanent members only] had “expressed their serious concern” concerning the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir…The Kashmir issue should be resolved properly through peaceful means, in accordance with the UN Charter, the relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.”
