‘Two sides decide to honour ceasefire agreement stricdtly’
SRINAGAR: In a breather for border residents and a step towards the revival of peace between two neighbouring countries, Pakistan and India have agreed to strictly observe agreements on ceasefire violation along the LoC and other sectors.
The border residents in both Kashmir and Jammu division have been the worst victims of cross border shelling over the past 30 years that has led to huge damage and the killing of civilians.
In a joint statement released by the Defence Ministry of India, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the two Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan in a meeting decided to strictly adhere to all the ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control (LoC) and other sectors.
The joint statement issued on Thursday said that “The Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact.”
“The two sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a free, frank, and cordial atmosphere,” the statement said.
It said that “In the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders, the two DGsMO agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb the peace and lead to violence.”
“Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings, and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021,” it added.
The statement further said that both sides reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding.
It may be recalled that border shelling has killed hundreds of people in Kashmir and Jammu region since 1990, and left scores handicapped forever. Besides, houses and livestock worth billions of rupees have also been damaged as well due to the cross LoC shelling in J&K in the past 30 years.