KL Report
Srinagar
Expressing deep concern at the increased incidents of ceasefire violations on LoC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti urged the Prime Minister to intervene and arrest the down slide in border situation which has generated fear and panic among the people there.
“It was unfortunate that three persons had lost their lives in perhaps the worst incident of ceasefire violation since 2003,” Mehbooba said. She conveyed her condolences and solidarity to the bereaved family.
“Ceasefire between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the historic Vajpayee initiative had a great salutary effect on the lives of people living in border areas from Kargil to Kathua,” Mehbooba said, adding that for the first time in decades people in those areas heaved a sigh of relief and could lead a normal life and pursue their farming and other activities without fear.
“I urge the Prime Minister to use his good offices and influence in ensuring that the state does not return to a similar situation,” she said. Mehbooba said the silencing of guns along the border had made other important initiatives possible which included the trade and travel across the LoC.
“While there is a need to lift the LoC trade and travel to the next level by removing hassles and upgrading logistical support major violations in ceasefire could result in serious set back to every thing that has been achieved since 2003,” She said.
Mehbooba further said that the Prime Minister has himself invested a lot in Indo Pak relations with encouraging results but unless a special care is taken to uphold the interests of Jammu & Kashmir the process would remain vulnerable to events.
“The 2003 initiative resulted in longest surviving ceasefire and progress on other fronts chiefly because it was driven by a desire for peace from the state and unless J&K specific measures are continued the process will lack credibility, PDP president said.
“People of J&K must get peace dividends first as it is they who have borne the brunt of wars and hostility between the two countries” Mehbooba added.
