Decision on Jammu and Kashmir an internal matter: India

Srinagar : India on Friday re-affirmed that the country's position on matters related to Kashmir is "entirely an internal matter". The statement came after a closed-door meeting at the UNSC to discuss New Delhi's move to end the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was called after Pakistan - backed by its all-weather ally - China, requested "closed consultations" on the issue.

India's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Security, Syed Akbaruddin, said that Indian government is processing the gradual removal of all restrictions in Kashmir and the government is undertaking steps towards normalcy.

"Prevention is better than cure. Measures we took were preventive in nature. These efforts sometimes lead to restrictions. There was not one fatality," Mr Akbaruddin told reporters at the UN.

"These have no external ramifications, the recent decisions taken by the Government of India and our legislative bodies are intended to ensure that good governance is promoted, social economic development is enhance for our people in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh," he said.

Speaking over Pakistan, he said, the neighboring nation must stop terror and head for peace talks. "Of particular concern is that one state is using terminology of 'jihad' against and promoting violence in India including by their leaders," he said.

The Chinese ambassador to the United Nations said that members of the UNSC generally feel both India and Pakistan should refrain from taking unilateral actions over Kashmir. The situation in Kashmir is "already very tense and dangerous," said Chinese ambassador Zhang Jun.

China is a permanent member of the UNSC and a close ally of Pakistan.

India, on August 5, scrapped Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.