U.S. denies Kashmir dispute linked to terrorism in South Asia

The United States has said that the Kashmir dispute is different from the terrorism issue in South Asia and it should be dealt in different ways.

The State Department spokesperson Marie Harf has re-emphasized that Washington retains its position on treating Kashmir issue with bilateral dialogue as the border dispute between the two countries was different from the terrorism practised by Al Qaeda and Taliban militants in South Asia, the Dawn reports.

Harf also said that the U.S. was aware of recent developments in Kashmir and was concerned about any violence occurring along the Line of Control (LoC), the report added.

The statement comes after the cross-border firing reports occurred following the August 6 killings of five Indian soldiers on LoC.

She further clarified that the two countries should determine the pace, scope and character of the peace dialogue on Kashmir, without anybody's intervention.

Harf also said that it would be hypothetical to suggest that such incidents could lead to a war between two nuclear-armed neighbours.