OIC urges India, Pakistan to show self-restraint

ABU DHABI

The world's premier Islamic bloc has called on India and Pakistan to exercise self-restraint and resolve their differences through peaceful means.

Addressing the closing session of a two-day ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, Secretary-General Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen said the pan-Muslim body "was following with the deep concern the bloody events and violations against the people of Jammu and Kashmir".

"The OIC calls on [India and Pakistan] to show self-restraint and resolve differences through peaceful means, in line with international legitimacy resolutions," Al-Othaimeen said.

Tension between the two nuclear armed-neighbors escalated following a suicide bombing in Indian-administered Kashmir in mid-February that left more than 40 Indian troops dead.

The attack was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a militant group that Pakistan has banned since 2002 but is accused by India of providing sanctuary.

On Wednesday, an Indian pilot was held in Pakistan after his aircraft was downed in a dogfight with Pakistani jets along the disputed border with Kashmir.

Some Kashmiri groups in Jammu and Kashmir have been fighting against Indian rule for independence, or for unification with neighboring Pakistan.

According to several human rights organizations, thousands of people have reportedly been killed in the conflict in the region since 1989.