Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had joined Pakistan, China and Turkey in raising Kashmir at the UN General Assembly last week, which brings under stress Union home minister Amit Shah’s claim on Sunday that “not a single leader has raised the issue”.

Making out a strong case for reforming the UN structure — something even India is pushing for — Mahathir had cited the condition of the Rohingya and the developments in Jammu and Kashmir to highlight how the world body’s resolutions were being ignored.

“Now, despite UN resolution on Jammu and Kashmir… (it) has been invaded and occupied. There may be reasons for this action but it is still wrong. The problem must be solved by peaceful means. India should work with Pakistan to resolve this problem. Ignoring the UN would lead to other forms of disregard for the UN and the rule of law,’’ he said in a brief reference to a subject India had worked hard to keep off the UNGA agenda.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the Kashmir issue should be resolved through “dialogue on the basis of justice, equity, and not through collision”.In New Delhi, German ambassador Walter Lindner said while Kashmir was a bilateral issue and the repealing of the state’s special status India’s internal matter, it has consequences in the region. “We would like to see, as early as possible, lifting of restrictions there…. there should be no violation of human rights….”