(Image source from: www.financialexpress.com)

Japan Foreign Minister Taro Kono in a statement urges Pakistan to take stronger measures to counter terrorism. Also expresses concern deteriorating situation in Kashmir.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s statement released today said, “Japan is concerned about the deteriorating situation in Kashmir.”

It strongly condemned Pulwama terror attack, “Japan strongly condemns the terrorist attack on 14 February 2019 for which the Islamic extremist group “Jaish-e-Mohammad” claimed responsibility. Japan urges Pakistan to take stronger measures to counter terrorism.”

Japan asks India and Pakistan to ‘exercise restraint’

“In response to the mounting tension due to the operations since 26 February between the Indian Air Force and the Pakistan Air Force, Japan strongly urges India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and stabilize the situation through dialogue.”

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held meeting with three Service Chiefs in the morning

The Army, Air Force and Navy chiefs said to have briefed the minister on the situation on the ground, especially about ceasefire violations in the Jammu region. The minister was also told about the counter-measures forces are planning.

Nirmala Sitharaman will now brief the Cabinet Committee on Security on the inputs shared by the Service Chiefs later this evening.

-Sai Kumar