Maldives calls on India, Pakistan to cease attacks

The Republic of Maldives have called upon neighboring India and Pakistan to cease the attacks between both countries and sit down for discussion to seek a solution to their differences.

In a statement released by the Foreign Ministry, the Maldivian government condemned the terrorist bomb attack on India-controlled Kashmir, which had subsequently killed several Indian officers.

While 42 Indian officers were killed in the attack by terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based Deobandi jihadist terrorist group active in Kashmir, the Indian government believes the attack was carried out with the assistance of the Pakistani government.

In retaliation of the attack, India had crossed the border between both countries and launched air attacks on Pakistan, which prompted Pakistan to shoot down two of the Indian helicopters which had invaded their airspace, arresting one pilot.

The Foreign Ministry's statement said the Maldives condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. The statement called on both countries to cease the attacks and establish peace between India and Pakistan.

The Maldives is fully committed to the fight against terrorism and will continue to work closely with the international community, especially with its South Asian neighbours, in eliminating terrorism, said the statement further.