Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan.
He expressed regret that the ceasefire had not been implemented earlier, stating it could have saved lives.
“I welcome the ceasefire. If it had happened 2-3 days ago, the lives we lost would not have been lost,” Abdullah told the media.
He further added, “Pakistan’s DGMO called our DGMO and the ceasefire was implemented.”
CM Omar Abdullah Calls For Immediate Relief
Abdullah urged the current J&K administration to act swiftly and assess the damage caused by the recent cross-border escalation.
He demanded that authorities begin providing relief to affected civilians without delay.
“Wherever people are injured, they should get proper treatment and also receive relief under government schemes,” he said.
He added that Deputy Commissioners have already been instructed to conduct final damage assessments and submit them promptly for disbursement of aid.
Air Services Disruption Raises Concerns
Highlighting the impact of the conflict on civilian life, Abdullah raised concerns over the prolonged closure of Srinagar airport.
“Our airport has been closed for many days. We hope it will reopen after the ceasefire,” he added.
India And Pakistan Agree To Halt Military Operations
In a significant step toward de-escalation, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart earlier in the day.
Both sides agreed to halt all military activities, on land, at sea, and in the air, starting 5:00 PM IST on Saturday.
“Instructions have been issued on both sides to enforce the ceasefire,” Misri stated during a press briefing.
He added, “The DGMOs will speak again at noon in May to ensure ongoing coordination.”
India Reacted In Measured Fashion, Says Misri
Foreign Secretary Misri stressed that Pakistan’s actions had constituted ‘provocation and escalation’. He maintained that India responded “in a responsible and measured fashion.”
Jaishankar: India Firm On Counter-Terrorism Stance
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised India’s unwavering stance against terrorism. “India and Pakistan have worked out an understanding to stop firing and military action,” he said.
“India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and will continue to do so.”
US Confirms Backchannel Efforts Led To Ceasefire
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the role of American diplomacy in facilitating the ceasefire. He confirmed that he and Vice President JD Vance had engaged with Indian and Pakistani leaders over the past 48 hours.
“We have engaged with senior officials, including Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, and military and security leaders from both nations,” Rubio said.
He further added, “The two governments have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site. We commend both leaders for choosing the path of peace.”
Also Read: US President Trump Announces ‘Full and Immediate Ceasefire’ Between India & Pakistan
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