A US State Department spokeswoman urged all parties to demonstrate "calm and restraint" including words being employed amid tensions surrounding Kashmir on Thursday (Aug 29).

The spokeswoman told Turkish owned Anadolu Agency in an emailed statement that Washington is "closely" monitoring the situation.

"We note the broader implications of the developments in Jammu and Kashmir and the potential for increased instability in the region," said the spokeswoman, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, Anadolu reports.

She said Washington remains "very concerned" by reported of detentions "and the continued restrictions" being imposed on residents in Jammu and Kashmir, the report adds.

"We urge respect for human rights, compliance with legal procedures, and inclusive dialogue with those affected," she said before welcoming "Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi’s statement that Jammu and Kashmir will soon return to a normal political status."

"We call on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control and to prevent cross-border terrorism. We continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues of concern," she added in her email to Anadolu Agency.

Kashmir, the only Muslim-majority Indian state, has faced a severe communications shutdown - with no Internet, landline, or cell phone service - and restrictions since Aug 5 when the Indian government led by Narendra Modi moved to revoke the region's special administrative status.

Its status is guaranteed by the Indian Constitution under Article 370.

While the Modi government called the restrictions a “precautionary measure” to tackle the situation, political leaders in the region were detained as rights groups repeatedly called on New Delhi to lift the restrictions and release detainees.