Washington D.C.: The United Nations on Thursday reiterated its concerns over the latest restrictions imposed in Jammu and Kashmir, which, the organisation said, could "exacerbate the human rights situation in the region". "The Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) has been following the situation in Jammu and Kashmir with concern and makes an appeal for maximum restraint," said spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric. He also said that the "position of the United Nations on this region is governed by the Charter of the United Nations and applicable Security Council resolutions."

Guterres's remarks came after the BJP-led Centre revoked Article 370 earlier this week to withdraw the special status from Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Guterres further appealed to both India and Pakistan to refrain from taking steps that could affect the status of Jammu and Kashmir.