WASHINGTON: The US President Donald Trump has said that Kashmir is a very tough situation; however, he would do his best to mediate or help somehow with the tensions between India and Pakistan over the decades-old issue.
“Kashmir is a very complicated place. You have the Hindus and you have the Muslims, and I wouldn’t say they get along so great,” Trump said while talking to reporters at the Oval office in Washington.
“Complicated situation. A lot has to do with religion. Religion is a complicated subject,” he remarked.
The US president said that he would discuss the Kashmir issue with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend at G7 Summit in France.
The leaders of the G7 Countries will meet in French City of Biarrit on Aug 24-26, 2019. India is not a member of G7 but has been extended a special invitation this year.
“We’re helping the situation. But there’s tremendous problems between those two countries, as you know. And I will do the best I can to mediate or do something,” Donald Trump said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the US president held telephonic conversations with Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and urged them to avoid steps that might escalate the recent crisis over Kashmir.
Spoke to my two good friends, Prime Minister Modi of India, and Prime Minister Khan of Pakistan, regarding Trade, Strategic Partnerships and, most importantly, for India and Pakistan to work towards reducing tensions in Kashmir. A tough situation, but good conversations!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2019
The Indian authorities continue to impose strict curfew across the Occupied Valley on the 16th consecutive day on Wednesday (August 21) to prevent people from holding demonstrations against India’s move of abrogating special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The entire occupied territory particularly the Kashmir has been turned into a military garrison as Indian troops and police personnel are deployed in every nook and corner.
The authorities also continue to impose information blockade as TV channels and internet links remain snapped and restrictions on media continue since August 5.
Almost all Hurriyat leaders including Syed Ali Gilani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq continue to remain under house arrest or in jails.
