Mehbooba seeks PM's intervention on ceasefire violation

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday sought the intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh "to arrest the downslide in the border situation which has generated fear and panic among the people".

Expressing deep concern at the increased incidents of ceasefire violation on the Line of Control (LOC) and international border, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said, "It was unfortunate that three persons lost their lives in perhaps the worst incident of ceasefire violation since 2003."

Mehbooba Mufti said the ceasefire between India and Pakistan "in the aftermath of the historic Vajpayee initiative had a great salutary effect on the lives of people living in border areas from Kargil to Kathua".

She said for the first time in decades people in those areas heaved a sigh of relief and could lead a normal life and pursue their farming and other activities without fear.

"I urge the prime minister to use his good offices and influence in ensuring that the state does return to a similar situation," she said.

Mehbooba Mufti said the silencing of guns along the border had made other important initiatives possible which included the trade and travel across the LoC.

She said while there was a need to lift the LOC trade and travel to the next level by removing hassles and upgrading logistical support, major violations in ceasefire could result in a serious set back to every thing that had been achieved since 2003.

She said the 2003 initiative resulted in longest surviving ceasefire and progress on other fronts.