Civilian killings in Kashmir need to be investigated: UN

United Nations: United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over the killing in Kashmir and said that the loss of civilians needs to be investigated.
Speaking to reporters at the regular noon briefing at UN Headquarters in New York, the Secretary-General spokesman Stephane Dujarric said: “Any loss of civilians needs to be investigated wherever they occur.
He said that the Secretary-General is very concerned about the situation we see in Jammu Kashmir.
“Civilians have to be protected wherever they are, whether it is in Gaza, whether it is in Jammu and Kashmir, whether it is in Yemen. It is a basic principle.”
“He reminds that member states are responsible under international humanitarian law to protect civilians,” he said.
“The Secretary-General reiterates his call on member states to find ways to address disputes in a peaceful manner.”
Government forces killed thirteen militants and four civilians in south Kashmir on Sunday evoking rage against the government.
Meanwhile, the Joint Hurriyat Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik Monday extended the strike against the killings by a day and stated that the Hurriyat leaders would move towards the Shopian on April 4.
Protest rallies were also taken out across Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) on Monday to condemn the killings in Kashmir.
Meanwhile, to express solidarity with the people of Kashmir, the districts of Doda and Kishtwar are also observing a shutdown against the killings today. The areas of Banihal are also observing a complete shutdown today against the civilian killings.
Train services between Baramulla and Bannihal have also been suspended.
Meanwhile, the education department had ordered the closure of schools and colleges on Tuesday.
Kashmir University also postponed all the exams scheduled on Tuesday and suspended the class work as a precautionary measure.
The government forces shot dead thirteen militants and four civilians in three different gunfights in two districts of south Kashmir on Sunday.
Three army men were also killed during the gunfights.
Over 207 civilians were injured on Sunday and Monday during various clashes across south Kashmir.