India-Pakistan pact on ceasefire observance elicits positive response, no violence at LoC in over a week

Zee Media traveled to the last village at LoC to see the ground situation and saw calm returning to the area.

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Srinagar: In a positive development, more than a week after India and Pakistan agreed on "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire, the pact continues to be followed on the ground with no signs of violation. 

Officials from the Indian sides are upbeat even as violence has reduced at the Line of Control, something that comes as a major relief to civilians on both sides.

Zee Media travelled to the last village at LoC to see the ground situation and saw calm returning to the area. Silikot village near Uri, also known as the last village of India, saw many of the villagers being hopeful that the peace would ultimately prevail.

“We are living in peace and happiness. We want both nations to maintain a ceasefire. Our children can play without fear of bullet or shells,” said Ghulam Nabi, a villager.

Another villager, Abdul Qayoom called for more facilities. He said, “Underground bunkers are being constructed here and we feel safer. We want the government to extend more facilities to us here."

On February 25, Indian and Pakistani militaries issued a rare joint statement. The statement that was issued simultaneously said, "both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 February 2021."

The statement came after Indian and Pakistani Director Generals of Military Operations or DGMOs achieved an understanding on February 22 during a "hotline" talk. During the talks, both sides "reviewed" the situation along the Line of Control.

The big test for the pact will be in summer when the snow melts and passes open. Summers have traditionally seen an increase in infiltration activity and while the joint statement has been issued, the Indian side will not let its guard down and continue to counter terror and infiltration bid.

2020 was the bloodiest year in terms of ceasefire violations, something that had majorly impacted the daily lives of civilians. The development will be beneficial for the region and the civilian population residing along the line of control.

The joint statement said," in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders" the two DGMOs agreed to address "each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb the peace and lead to violence."

India's key concern has been the issue of terror.

The ties between the two countries have gone downhill since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The attack that killed over 40 Indian paramilitary men was perpetrated by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed. 

After India removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, the relationship went further downhill with people to people contact being suspended by Islamabad.