United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Philemon Yang on Thursday expressed deep concern over rising hostilities between India and Pakistan and appealed to both nations to exercise “maximum restraint” and pursue immediate de-escalation through dialogue.
In a statement posted on X, Yang said, “I am deeply concerned about the escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan. I call for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and for an immediate de-escalation.”
Reaffirming his strong stance against terrorism, Yang added, “I reiterate my condemnation of all terrorist attacks and attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. I firmly believe that dialogue and diplomatic solutions in line with the UN Charter and international law are the only ways to resolve differences and achieve lasting peace and stability.”
His remarks come a day after India launched Operation Sindoor, a joint offensive by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
During a press briefing in New Delhi, senior Indian officials including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh outlined the mission’s objectives. They confirmed that four of the nine targeted terror camps were located in Pakistan—Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sarjal, and Mehmoona Joya—housing groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Wing Commander Singh emphasized that the operation was a direct retaliation aimed at delivering justice to the victims of the Pahalgam attack. “Operation Sindoor was launched to dismantle terror networks and send a clear message of zero tolerance,” she said.
In the aftermath of the operation, tensions flared further as Pakistani forces initiated unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in sectors including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded proportionately, according to officials.
As the situation remains tense, international calls for restraint are mounting, with the UN urging both nuclear-armed neighbours to step back from the brink and return to diplomacy.
