Pakistani troops violated ceasefire twice today in forward areas of Jammu and Poonch districts, resulting in critical injury to a BSF Jawan identified as Pawan Kumar who has been referred to AIIMS in New Delhi. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while expressing concern over frequent ceasefire violations by Pak troops along the Line of Control and International Border, has asked Pakistan to stop all these violations.
Meanwhile, curfew which was clamped in almost entire Jammu province today continued with Army staging flag-march in violence hit areas of Kishtwar and Jammu to strictly enforce the curfew restrictions. According to Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Shantmanu, the situation in Jammu is still tense but under control, adding that barring some stray incidents, no major untoward incident was reported from any part of Jammu province so far, today.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a fervent appeal to the people of the state to maintain peace and centuries old communal harmony in the state. Assuring swift action on inquiry report on Kishtwar incident, Omar said that State Government will ensure most severe punishment to those responsible for death and destruction in Kishtwar. The Chief Minister arrived in Jammu this afternoon to take stock of the law and order situation in Jammu and other areas, which witnessed tension after the clashes between two groups.
He gave strict directions to the Administration for keeping constant vigil over the situation and defusing tension in the affected areas by restoration of calm and peace. The Chief Minister in a high level meeting, was briefed about the status of law and order in Jammu Division, particularly in Kishtwar, Reasi, Rajouri and parts of Jammu where Army was called to assist the civil Administration for maintenance of peace and restoration of tranquillity. Earlier, addressing media persons in Srinagar today, he alleged that some political parties are trying to create 2008 situation with an eye on Parliament and Assembly elections due in 2014.
AIR Correspondent reports, asking Pakistan to follow the terms of the ceasefire agreed between the two countries in November, 2003 , the J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that he can not say whether the ceasefire violation is being done by Pakistan to trigger greater infiltration, (or) to distract attention from the failures of their own administration . However, he said that Pakistan should stop it as tension along the LoC and International border is detrimental to the interests of J&K as a whole and, in particular, to those who live in the area.
He said it is Pakistan that is violating the ceasefire and forcing India to respond. Meanwhile, administration in Jammu today banned telecast of local news channels and snapped the cable network as precautionary measure. The internet services of all the private service providers barring BSNL have also been snapped to avoid spread of rumours.
