CAPE TOWN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) - South Africa on Monday urged India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through peaceful means.

Voicing concern over the escalation of tensions surrounding the developments in Jammu and Kashmir, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the issue of Jammu and Kashmir should be resolved bilaterally.

"South Africa calls on both countries to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further exacerbate the situation and potentially destabilize the region," spokesperson Clayson Monyela said.

He stressed the urgent need for both parties to tone down their rhetoric.

South Africa further appeals that the freedom and rights of citizens be respected in line with international humanitarian and human rights laws, said Monyela.

"Given South Africa's history of a peaceful and democratic transition, we strongly believe that meaningful dialogue and consultations are the only way to sustainably resolve disputes," he said.

In this regard, the future of Jammu and Kashmir should be settled by peaceful means, through inclusive dialogue, Monyela stressed.

He said demonstrations had taken place in parts of South Africa in relation to Jammu and Kashmir.

"We reiterate that South Africa is a democracy, which allows the freedom to express different views, but all actions should still be in accordance with, and be observant of, the law," he said.

Recently, India moved to end the constitutional status of disputed Jammu and Kashmir, escalating tension with Pakistan.