Beijing (IANS) : China on Monday called for proper settlement of clashes in Kashmir which have left more than 40 people dead.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China was concerned about the casualties due to violence in Kashmir which began on 9 July, a day after a top militant was killed by security forces, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Stressing that China’s position on the Kashmir issue has been consistent, Lu said Beijing hoped that relevant parties could resolve the issue through peaceful means.

Clashes broke out between civilians and the security forces after the killing of 22 year-old Hizbul Mujahideen militant group leader, Burhan Wani.