Support Direct Dialogue Between India And Pakistan, Terror Groups Operating From Pakistan The ‘Chief Obstacle’ Says US

Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Alice G Wells told a subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Non-proliferation of the House Foreign Affairs Committee said that the US supports direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and ‘chief obstacle’ still remain the terror groups operating from Pakistan, reports NDTV.

Wells said, "We believe that direct dialogue between India and Pakistan, as outlined in the 1972 Simla Agreement, holds the most potential for reducing tensions.”

She also said security situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense and foreign militants attempting to intimidate local residents and business owners in order to stymie normal economic activity.”

In her testimony, Wills further added, "Restarting a productive bilateral dialogue requires building trust, and the chief obstacle remains Pakistan's continued support for extremist groups that engage in cross-border terrorism.".

Wells welcomed Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement that terrorists from Pakistan who carry out violence in Kashmir are enemies of both Kashmiris and Pakistan.

She also warned Pakistan and said, "Pakistan's harbouring of terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which seek to foment violence across the Line of Control, is destabilising, and Pakistani authorities remain accountable for their actions."