Omar tells Pak PM to honour 2003 ceasefire agreement

Expressing serious concerns over continuous shelling on the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) by Pakistani troops, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday asked Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to honour the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

Omar, who visited extreme forward areas on the international border in the Jammu region, amid continued attack of mortars, rockets and bullets on Indian forward posts and civilian areas, questioned Pakistan’s “friendship rhetoric”.

Addressing the affected families in the R S Pura sector on the international border, the Chief Minister said he is at a loss to understand “why Pakistan indulges in violation of ceasefire” when Sharif talks of peace and resolution of issues through dialogue .

“As the primer minister of Pakistan, the violation of ceasefire cannot be without his consent. If that is so, then what is the use of talking friendship and dialogue,” he asked the leadership of Pakistan.

Omar said despite bitterness developing between India and Pakistan, the ceasefire agreement stood firm and for the last 10 years, borders and the LoC remained peaceful and tranquil.

Expressing deep concern over ceasefire violations, the brunt of which has to be borne by the civilians living near the border and the LoC, the Chief Minister said “this is in nobody’s interest but only endangers life of people of border areas”.

He said his government, people of Jammu and Kashmir and the country are with the shelling-affected population. “You should not feel alone, we all are with you,” he assured them. “We are with you to share your difficulties and provide you all possible help.”

The visit of the Chief Minister was aimed at restoration of confidence among the border villagers, who have been victims of Pakistani shelling and firing for the past about 11 days. He also tried to convince them from migration, after shells landed on their houses.