Srinagar, Feb 25 (KNS): Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the ceasefire on Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir by India and Pakistan.

Talking exclusively to news agency KNS, Member parliament and the National Conference patron, Dr Farooq Abdullah while welcoming the move, said that this is the first step toward dialogue for peace in the region. 

He said that they have always been advocating for a dialogue between the two countries for peace to prevail in the region. 

Former Chief Minster and President People’s Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti while talking to KNS welcomed the move by both the countries.  

“This is really a welcome development for all of us and for the people living on the Line of Control as they always bear the brunt of ceasefire violations along the LoC,” she said.

She said that this was the need of the hour as both the countries have been facing challenges and dialogue is the only way forward. 

“The situation in Kashmir and the long pending issue can only be solved through dialogue. We hope the ceasefire agreement between the two countries will be a success and the talk from DGMOs level will also reach to the political level,” she said.

She also hoped that the cross border trade between the two countries will also be resumed at an earliest. 
Earlier, the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact. 

In a joint statement, they said that the two sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere.
          
“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 propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence.”

As per the statement, 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 Feb 2021.
          
“Both sides reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding,” the statement reads. (KNS)