Pakistan said it would downgrade its diplomatic ties, expel the Indian ambassador and suspend bilateral trade with India, deepening a row between the counties over the disputed territory of Kashmir.
Indian authorities have plunged the Muslim-majority state of Kashmir into a communications blackout, as India’s Hindu-led nationalist government scrapped the region’s statehood and special political autonomy, including the right to its own constitution, ABC reported.
As the security lockdown by Indian troops continued in Kashmir for a third day, hundreds of migrant workers began the long trek back to their villages in northern and eastern India.
The Indian government has shut off most communications, including internet, mobile phone and landline networks, with Kashmir, the report said.
Thousands of additional troops were sent to the already heavily militarized region out of fear the government’s steps could spark unrest.
Meanwhile, the United States on Wednesday said it supports direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on the disputed Kashmir region and called for calm and restraint as the dispute escalated.
“We continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern,” a department spokeswoman said in a statement, as quoted by Reuters.
Follow TKG on Twitter & Facebook
