WASHINGTON: The United States has urged India and Pakistan to start a dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.

Tension between India and Pakistan has increased since last week when Indiansecurityforceskilled aKashmiri leader, Burhan Wani. The killing stirred protests across the Kashmir valley and so far Indian security forces have killed at least 30 people to end the demonstrations.

`We want to see dialogue between India and Pakistan on how to resolve the conflict in Kashmir and our policy has not changed,` the US State Department`s deputy spokesman MarkToner told a news conference on Wednesday.

Pakistan has deplored the excessive use of force against civilians in the valley and also has expressed deep shock over Wani`s killing.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has called a special cabinet meeting on Friday to `discuss the oppressive actions of Indian security forces against innocent civilians and the overall situation in Kashmir after the brutal assassination of Burhan Wani,` said a statement issued by his office.

The Indian government, however, has rejected Pakistan`s protest, asking Islamabad to refrain from `interfering in the internal affairs` of India. And an Indian official described Pakistan`s reaction as `cynical and misguided`.