Srinagar, May 10 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, calling it a necessary step towards peace, even if it arrived later than desired.
Speaking to reporters at his residence, Abdullah expressed deep appreciation for the Indian government's announcement regarding the restoration of ceasefire. “I welcome from the depths of my heart the announcement made by Government of India spokesperson about restoration of ceasefire between India and Pakistan,” he said.
While acknowledging the development, the chief minister also voiced regret that the ceasefire had not come sooner. “Better late than never, but had this ceasefire come two or three days earlier, perhaps the bloodshed we saw and the precious lives we lost, would have been safe,” he remarked.
Abdullah confirmed that the ceasefire was re-established following a call between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan, agreeing to halt hostilities across Jammu and Kashmir and other regions.
Highlighting the human cost of the recent violence, Abdullah stressed the need for immediate relief and support for the victims. “It is now the duty of J-K government to provide relief and compensation to those who have suffered during this period. We have announced compensation for the loss of precious lives. Now we will have to compensate those who have been injured as well,” he stated.
He detailed the devastation caused by cross-border shelling in areas including Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, and Tangdhar. “There has been a lot of devastation,” he added.
Abdullah also raised concerns over the disruption to Hajj travel. “We hope that we can resume the Hajj flights as we were not able to send the pilgrims to Hajj due to closure of airport,” he said, expressing optimism that peace would now allow for the restoration of normalcy.
The ceasefire has come as a relief to the border residents who have been under the shadow of conflict, and the government now faces the pressing task of rehabilitation and recovery.