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LoC Flare Up: Amid roaring guns, Abdullah calls for Ramzan truce

Jammu: National Conference President and Member of Parliament, Dr Farooq Abdullah, on Sunday appealed the Governments of India and Pakistan to ensure truce on the Line of Control (LoC) ahead of the holy Ramzan.

Two civilians were killed and as many injured in Jammu division along LoC on Saturday in alleged cross border firing while as Pakistani authorities said that at least thirteen civilians were injured in PaK due to firing by Indian forces posted along the de facto border.

On the sidelines of a function in winter capital, Dr Abdullah told reporters that a ceasefire agreement “was the answer to it”. “Such an agreement had also taken place during the Vajpayee Government,” Abdullah said while referring to 2004 LoC truce between India and Pakistan.

“Borders were tense in 2003 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was heading the Government (at Centre). But, he took an initiative… went to Lahore, joined hands with Pakistan, held talks and the ceasefire happened,” Dr Abdullah added.

Various media reports said that over one thousand people were shifted out from the shelling affected border places in Rajouri today while Border Security Forces (BSF) alleged Pakistan of continuing the ceasefire violations.

“I appeal both India and Pakistan (governments), that Ramzan Sharief is coming in few days and it will be better that both the nations must sit together, hold deliberations and go for a ceasefire agreement,” said the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister.

On his recent meeting with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi after being elected as MP from Srinagar Lok Sabha Constituency, Dr Abdullah said, “I cannot share all the details but only can say that I have told the Prime Minister that in Kashmir there is not only law and order problem but a political initiative is required to settle the issue.”

“Earlier a Parliamentary delegation visited Kashmir, interlocutors’ report is lying with them (Centre), but nothing fruitful took place and I have expressed that they have to take an initiative at the earliest to streamline situation in the Kashmir Valley,” he asserted.

“If India really wants peace with its neighbour, it is possible only by holding talks and I feel that time has come that both the nations must sit together and start the process,” said the National Conference stalwart.

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