In a surprise move, the Indian and Pakistani army announced that they had begun observing a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir starting from 24th February midnight. This announcement was made on Thursday.
Armies of both the countries made this announcement after a discussion between the Indian army’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Lt Gen Paramjit Singh Sangha, and Maj Gen Nauman Zakaria from the Pakistani army over an established telephone hotline.
During this discussion, both reviewed the situation along with the LOC other sectors in a free, frank, and cordial atmosphere.
Both the armies further announced hotline contact and border flag meetings will be used to resolve unforeseen situations or misunderstandings that may arise.
Armies of both countries have exchanged fire since the Pulwama suicide attack in February 2019 and the Indian government’s decision to scrap Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019.
India has agreed to a ceasefire but operations to counter infiltration along the LoC as well as countering terrorism within Jammu and Kashmir will continue.
The ceasefire is mainly done so the local people do not suffer.
Earlier in 2003 India & Pakistan agreed on a ceasefire on LOC but the ceasefire has been violated many times in recent years.
According to the Indian Army chief, Gen MM Naravane India wants peace and tranquillity on all its borders.
However, terror launch pads were active across the LOC and the Indian army will be prepared to stop infiltration during summers.
This move comes when the Indian army is mainly focused on LAC due to standoff with China in the Ladakh sector since May last year.
