SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, remarking that an earlier announcement could have saved lives.
“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.
He said the responsibility now lies with the government on the ground to assess the damage and start providing relief to the affected people. “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.
The Chief Minister said that areas like Poonch city and Tangdhar have suffered major damage. Directions have been issued to the respective Deputy Commissioners to assess the situation and ensure timely relief.
On the suspension of Haj flights, Omar said the flights will resume as soon as the airport becomes functional again.
Meanwhile, National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah also welcomed the ceasefire, calling it a necessary step to end hostilities that have severely affected residents along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
In a statement issued from the party headquarters, Dr Farooq said, “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 reiterated that the National Conference has always supported lasting friendship between India and Pakistan. However, he added that the primary responsibility to bridge the trust deficit lies with Pakistan, which must address India’s concerns regarding cross-border terrorism.
India and Pakistan agreed to the ceasefire following days of heightened tension along the border. (With KNO Inputs)
