Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, expressing relief but also regret that the move did not come sooner.
“Pakistan’s DGMO called our DGMO and implemented the ceasefire again. Had this been announced a few days earlier, several lives could have been saved,” Omar said, referring to the recent deadly escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB).
Omar said that the immediate focus must now shift to relief and rehabilitation. “We cannot bring back those who lost their lives. We share our grief with their families. Ex-gratia relief has been announced for the next of kin of the deceased and for those injured,” he said, adding that areas like Poonch city and Tangdhar have faced significant destruction.
He informed that Deputy Commissioners have been directed to carry out damage assessments and ensure timely aid. On the suspension of Haj flights due to the ongoing conflict, the Chief Minister stated that services would resume as soon as the airport becomes functional again.
National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah also welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a much-needed step to end the suffering of border residents. “Our people along the LoC and IB have borne the brunt of the deteriorating situation between the two neighbouring countries. This measure will greatly alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire,” he said.
Reaffirming the National Conference’s long-standing support for peaceful relations between India and Pakistan, Dr. Farooq added that while the ceasefire was a positive move, the onus of rebuilding trust lies with Pakistan. “They must address India’s legitimate concerns over cross-border terrorism,” he said.
India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire early Saturday after days of intense hostilities, following US-mediated talks and a late-night breakthrough.
