Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir political parties on Saturday welcomed the announcement of immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the ceasefire and said if it had happened two to three days earlier it would have saved lives.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the ceasefire—better late than never. Had it been initiated just two or three days earlier, precious lives could have been saved. The ceasefire was implemented following a call from Pakistan’s DGMO to our DGMO,” Omar told reporters in Srinagar.
He said that it is now the responsibility of the Jammu and Kashmir government to swiftly assess the areas affected by the violence and begin providing relief and support to the people.
President National Conference and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, said the hostilities have been taking a toll on the people living along the Line of Control (LOC) and International Border (IB) in J&K, Ladakh.
“Our people along the LOC and IB have borne the brunt of the deteriorating situation between the two neighbouring countries. This measure will greatly alleviate the suffering of our people who have been caught in the crossfire,” he said.
Abdullah further emphasised that his party has always advocated for lasting friendship between India and Pakistan. However, he stressed that the primary responsibility to bridge the trust deficit lies with Pakistan, which must address India’s genuine concerns regarding cross-border terrorism.
Another former Chief Minister and PDP Mehbooba Mufti said the ceasefire between India and Pakistan is good news for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“People of the border areas who were the worst sufferers of the hostilities have heaved a sigh of relief…. Terrorism will not be accepted by anyone…. But terrorists should not decide when there will be war and when there will be peace in India and Pakistan,” she said.
Mehbooba said there should be political intervention as military action is no solution to issues.
“Our country is the world’s largest democracy, with immense power and responsibility. It must act like a big brother—not just with Pakistan, but across the region—to ensure lasting peace in the region,” she said.
She also expressed satisfaction over US President Donald Trump’s announcement of the ceasefire agreement.
Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that talks is the means to peace and stability
“Better sense has prevailed and India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire. It’s a huge relief for all, especially those living on both sides of the LOC where precious lives were lost and shelter and livelihoods destroyed,” the Mirwaiz said.
“The possibility of talks among the two as stated by US Secretary Marco Rubio on a broad set of issues, is a welcome outcome. Talks is the means to peace and stability. I hope both countries will work towards an everlasting peace for this region,” he added.
Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone said there is a sense of relief all around.
“The announcement of the ceasefire by the Union Government is a welcome step. There is a sense of relief all around.
“The inhabitants of the border areas in J and K have had a harrowing time. Hope they are able to resume their lives and hope we as a society come to their aid and help them rebuild their homes,” he said.
CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami said the India and Pakistan ceasefire has brought a big relief to people on both sides.
Awami Itihaad Party leader Firdous Baba termed the ceasefire as a historic step towards peace and prosperity in the region.
“Pray that this step will prove as beginning of the end of all violence, negative things and terrorism and Jammu and Kashmir will emerge as oasis of progress,” he said.
UNI
