Ceasefire violation issue should be taken up with Pakistan: Omar

Srinagar, Oct 18: With repeated ceasefire violations from across the Line of Control, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the Centre needs to take up the issue with Pakistan in a "strong manner" as it was getting "more serious" now.

Omar also said that the ceasefire has been the most successful part of the peace process between India and Pakistan and the state wants it to remain in force.

"I do not understand who is behind this and what do they think because recently our Prime Minister met Pakistan Prime Minister in New York and they talked about ceasefire violations. It was decided that the DGMOs of both countries will discuss the issue and find a remedy. Instead of a solution to it, the issue is getting more serious. "The way civilian areas were targeted by shelling yesterday, and few children were injured, it does not seem that their intentions are good. I would request the government of India to take up the issue with the government of Pakistan in a strong manner," Omar told reporters here.

Pakistani troops had yesterday pounded civilian areas along LoC, leaving five persons injured. Three children were among those injured in Najwal border hamlet. Omar said, "Till now, the most successful part of the peace process has been the ceasefire and if the ceasefire is ended, then it would be difficult to enforce it again."

"We have already taken up the matter with Government of India and it is not that they are not paying any attention. Now, it is just that how strongly they will take up the issue with Pakistan...We want the ceasefire to remain (in force) so that people living near the border and LoC sustain their life comfortably. The prevailing tension there (on LoC) is not good for us (state)," he said.

The Chief Minister said Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde will visit the LoC soon to review the situation. "The Home Minister of the country is touring the state after two days. We will visit the border, the LoC and review the situation and will see what needs to be done," he said.

Pakistani troops have repeatedly violated the ceasefire this year.

PTI