KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (NNN-BERNAMA-AGENCIES) — The international community on has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and make efforts to de-escalate tensions between the two following following a suicide bombing in Indian-Kashmir that killed over 40 Indian soldiers earlier this month.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Press Trust of India reported that several airports in Northern India, namely the Jammu and Leh airports were closed for civilian air traffic shortly after an Indian Air Force jet crashed in Budgam district and amid escalation of cross-Line of Control shelling between armies of India and Pakistan.
Pakistan was also reported to have suspended all international and domestic flights from the country’s major airports — including Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and Sialkot.
Expressing its concerns on the development, the Foreign Ministry of Malaysia in a statement said: “As a country with close and abiding relations with both countries, we encourage them to exercise maximum restraint and to re-engage in dialogue and negotiations.”
The ministry also advised Malaysians that they should postpone non-essential travel, particularly to the areas directly affected.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi and the High Commission of Malaysia in Islamabad, will continue to monitor the situation and be in close contact with local authorities for the latest update.”
Singapore also noted with deep concern the escalating tensions and called on both parties to ensure the safety of all civilians.
Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement also advised Singaporeans to defer all non-essential travel to Jammu & Kashmir in India, and to Pakistan.
“Travellers should also exercise precaution in other areas, especially the border regions between Pakistan and India, given the uncertain security situation,” it said.
The MFA said several cities, including New Delhi and Mumbai, and the border districts of Kutch, Banaskantha, and Patan in Gujarat have been placed on high alert.
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