Iran Concerned about India's Restrictions on Muslims in Kashmir

The Iranian foreign ministry expressed concern about the security conditions ruling different parts of Kashmir as well as the restrictions on Muslims in the region.

News ID: 446582

Date: 14 August 2019 - 11:37

RNA - Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyed Abbas Moussavi in a statement on Tuesday, voiced concern over the restrictions on Muslims for practicing their religious acts, and called on New Delhi to take action to have people back to normal life as soon as possible so that they can use all their natural and recognized rights.

On Sunday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a phone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed concern about insecurities in Kashmir, stressing the need for Islamabad and New Delhi to find a diplomatic solution to the problem.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always endeavored to prevent tension and chaos in the region and we believe that the Muslim people of Kashmir should be able to exercise their legal rights and interests and live in peace and tranquility," Rouhani said during the phone conversation.

He called on India and Pakistan to show self-restraint to prevent insecurity and killing of innocent people in Kashmir, and said, "The Kashmir issue has no military solution and we should be looking for a diplomatic solution to problems."

Imran Khan, for his part, expressed regret over the saddening incidents for innocent people in Kashmir in violation of the international rules, and said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran as an important country in the region and the Muslim world can play a positive role in resolving the Kashmir issue."

Tensions have been running high in Kashmir since Monday, when New Delhi revoked Article 370, a constitutional provision that had come into effect in 1949 and grants special status to Kashmir, allowing it to have its own flag and constitution, among other rights.

In the lead-up to the move, India sent thousands of additional troops to the disputed region, imposing a curfew on parts of it, arrested political leaders and shut down telecommunication lines.

Kashmir has been split between India and Pakistan since partition in 1947. Both countries claim all of Kashmir and have fought three wars over the territory.

Islamabad was quick to denounce India’s recent move as illegal, with Prime Minister Imran Khan saying he was weighing taking the matter to the United Nations Security Council.

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