This is since escalating tensions will certainly not benefit anyone. Indonesia expresses hope that communication and diplomacy would be prioritizedJakarta (ANTARA) - The Government of Indonesia is optimistic that conflicting parties would placate tensions, engage in negotiations, and adopt diplomatic means to solve the problem in Kashmir, according to the Indonesian foreign ministry.
"This is since escalating tensions will certainly not benefit anyone. Indonesia expresses hope that communication and diplomacy would be prioritized," Teuku Faizasyah, spokesman of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, remarked in a statement here on Tuesday.
Indonesia has closely monitored the flaring of tensions between India and Pakistan in Kashmir.
AlJazeera reported that the Indian government has revoked the special status of India-administered Kashmir in a move that risks fueling the already heightened tensions with neighboring Pakistan. Monday's presidential decree revokes Article 370 of India's Constitution that guaranteed special rights to the Muslim-majority state, including its right to its own Constitution and decision-making process for all matters except defence, communications, and foreign affairs.
In the lead-up to its move, India sent thousands of additional troops to the region, imposing a curfew on parts of it, shutting down telecommunications, and arresting political leaders.
Both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in full though rule it in part. The nuclear-armed neighbors have fought two of their three wars over the disputed territory.
The United Nations has urged the two countries to exercise restraint.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir has expressed "deep concern" over the recent developments, AlJazeera reported.
In a statement at an emergency meeting held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the secretary-general, Yousef bin Ahmed al-Othaimeen, reaffirmed the OIC's "support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle to achieve their legitimate rights, in particular, the right to self-determination."
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi emphasized that Indian steps that "interfere with the demography of India-administered Kashmir and the disputed status are a grave, destabilizing threat to the already volatile situation in South Asia and would have serious implications."
Related news: 2018 deadliest year for Jammu and Kashmir in decade
Related news: OIC's first peace, dialogue meeting held in Jakarta
Translator: Yashinta, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
