India, Pak should handle Valley issue bilaterally: China

BEIJING: China said on Friday the Kashmir issue should be handled bilaterally by India and Pakistan, sidestepping a demand from Islamabad that the United Nations should appoint a special envoy for the region.

Responding to a question on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) asking for United Nation’s resolutions on Kashmir to be implemented, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said the matter was left over from history and New Delhi and Islamabad should increase their interactions to address the matter.

“China’s position on the Kashmir issue is clear-cut. The Kashmir issue is left over from history. China hopes India and Pakistan can increase dialogue and communication and properly handle relevant issues and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability,” Lu told a regular news briefing.

Addressing the UNGA on Thursday, Pakistan PM Shahid Khaq an Ab ba si had asked world body to appoint a special envoy for Valley and claimed the “struggle” by the region’s people is being “brutally suppressed” by India.