The National Conference (NC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Hurriyat, regional parties of Jammu and Kashmir, have welcomed the India-Pakistan fresh agreement to maintain ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC).
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti termed the agreement a “big and welcome development”. “Dialogue is the only way forward if both countries want to stop the unending cycle of violence and bloodshed across the borders and J&K,” she said.
‘Sustainable peace’
NC president Farooq Abdullah, MP, said the measure would go a long way towards sustainable peace between the two countries. “The NC has always been a strong votary of India-Pakisan peace. It is the people of J&K that have been facing the brunt of escalating tensions alongside the borders. I hope the agreement is followed in letter and spirit. The development will allow people living alongside the LoC and the International Border to go about their normal lives with minimal disruption and risk,” he said.
The former Chief Minister hoped the development would increase the possibility of some forward advancement towards the resolution of all impending issues between India and Pakistan.
‘Right step’
Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq termed the move “a step in the right direction”. “For the interest of mutually beneficial and sustainable peace in the entire region, India and Pakistan need to address the core concern of J&K in keeping with the aspirations of its people. We have always advocated it,” he said.
Jammu Muslim Front (JMF) chairman Shuja Zaffar described the “silencing of guns on the border a tribute to humanity”.
“Bloodshed of humanity is no solution. Dialogue is the only way forward. This is a big welcome development. This historical agreement will benefit people on both the sides of border,” added Mr. Zaffar.
