Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan but noted with regret that it came “after too much loss.”
“Had the ceasefire been declared even a few days earlier, precious lives could have been saved. But we still welcome this step as necessary and timely now,” Omar told reporters, as per news agency JKNS.
He confirmed that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) had called the Indian DGMO to announce a halt to cross-border firing, effective from this evening.
Omar stressed that the focus must now shift to relief and rehabilitation. “The responsibility lies with the administration to assess the damage, assist victims, and ensure proper treatment for the injured,” he said.
Expressing grief over the civilian deaths, the Chief Minister added: “We can’t bring back those we lost, but we stand with their families. Ex-gratia relief for both the deceased and the injured has been approved.”
He said that Poonch and Tangdhar have suffered extensive damage due to shelling and drone strikes. “Deputy Commissioners have been directed to carry out on-ground assessments and initiate rehabilitation work at the earliest,” he said.
Regarding the suspension of Haj operations, CM Omar stated: “Haj flights will resume as soon as the airport becomes functional again. Pilgrims are advised to stay in contact with officials for updates.”
The ceasefire agreement comes after days of deadly cross-border violence that followed the April 22 Baisaran-Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, including tourists. The violence escalated along the LoC and international border, resulting in multiple civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
Just an hour earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate ceasefire” after hours-long talks mediated by the United States. Both countries have officially confirmed the agreement. (JKNS)
