UN calls for 'maximum restraint' by India, Pakistan along LoC

United Nations, Aug 19: Welcoming the upcoming meeting between the national security advisers of India and Pakistan, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on both countries to exercise "maximum restraint" along the Line of Control (LoC) and protect civilians. In a statement issued through his spokesperson on Tuesday, Ban expressed "serious concern about the recent escalation of violence along the LoC". The statement came as India reported on Tuesday that the Pakistani army violated ceasefire by shelling three Indian army posts in Poonch district. Indian officials also reported an Indian civilian getting injured due to firing by Pakistan Rangers in Jammu district on Monday night. Calling for a dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad, Ban said he hoped the meeting between National Security Advisers Ajit Doval of India and Sartaj Aziz of Pakistan would lead to positive outcomes.