New Delhi, May 29: In what will bring much relief to residents of border areas of India and Pakistan, the armies of the two countries on Tuesday agreed to maintain ceasefire along the border in Jammu and Kashmir.
They agreed to ensure peace and avoid hardship to civilians. In the past two weeks, continual firing across the acrimonious divide has affected villagers on both sides. Thousands have had to be relocated and moved to safer places.
Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan Maj Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza called up his Indian counterpart Lt Gen Anil Chauhan on the existing telephonic hotline mechanism at 6 pm.
An Indian Army statement said: “The DGMOs reviewed the prevailing situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border in J&K.”
The Indian Army DGMO agreed with the proposal to undertake sincere measures to improve the existing situation. Both DGMOs agreed to fully implement the Ceasefire Understanding of 2003 in letter and spirit forthwith and to ensure that henceforth the ceasefire would not be violated by either side.
It was also mutually agreed that in case of any issue, restraint would be exercised and the matter resolved through hotline contact and flag meetings.
On May 23, the Ministry of External Affairs claimed that Pakistan had carried out more than 1,088 ceasefire violations along the LoC and International Boundary during 2018. Thirty-six persons were killed and over 120 injured on the Indian side.
Pakistan’s foreign office claimed the Indian forces had carried out over 1,050 ceasefire violations, resulting in the death of 28 civilians and injuries to 117.
