UN strongly condemns deadly terror attack in Kashmir

The United Nations has strongly condemned the 22 April terrorist attack in Kashmir in which militants killed 26 tourists near the town of Pahalgam.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved, with his spokesperson underscoring “that attacks against civilians are unacceptable under any circumstances”.

The UN Security Council, in a press statement, also expressed its deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims’ families, as well as to the governments of India and Nepal.

“Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,” the statement noted. Such acts are “criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.”

On 29 April, the Secretary-General spoke separately by telephone with Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India.

In those calls he reiterated his strong condemnation of the terror attack and noted the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for the attacks through lawful means.

The Secretary-General also expressed his deep concern at rising tensions between India and Pakistan and underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences. He offered his Good Offices to support de-escalation efforts.

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