US against 'destabilising actions' by N-weapon states

WASHINGTON: Amidst a war of words between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, the US has said it discourages "destabilising actions" by all states with nuclear weapons and missile capabilities.

"We continue to urge all states with nuclear weapons to exercise restraint regarding nuclear and missile capabilities," a State Department official said yesterday when asked about the reported remarks by Lt Gen Tariq Khan who retired as the Commander of I Strike Corps at Mangla in 2014.

"We encourage efforts to promote confidence building and stability and discourage destabilizing actions," the official said.

Khan, in a widely-circulated social media post, said "there appears to be some preparations for military reprisal on anticipation of the Uri alleged raid."

"The next 48 hrs are critical; if Pakistan cannot garner international support, be prepared for a strike through ground or air. Expect a snowball effect if that does happen and it may lead to full-fledged hostilities," he said.

The State Department official, however, said: "The General is a private citizen and his views are his own."

Tension between India and Pakistan peaked following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri on Sunday in which 18 soldiers were killed.

Initial investigation by India has suggested the attackers came from Pakistan and were members of terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad.