Srinagar, March 16 (PTI): Expressing concern over cross- border shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, NC president Farooq Abdullah today appealed to India and Pakistan to take steps to ensure peace on the borders.
“We appeal to the leadership of India and Pakistan to take concrete steps for peace along the borders as the people living there are facing record-breaking hardships and are forced to migrate for their safety,” Abdullah, who is contesting the upcoming by-polls from Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, said in a statement here.
The former J&K chief minister also appealed to the people of both countries, civil society and media to press their respective governments and political leadership to start a dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues.
“There is no alternative to the talks. The people and the leadership of both the countries are fully aware that peace holds the key for prosperity and development in the region,” he said, adding, “enmity and bitter relations is not beneficial to any of the two countries and only causes more harm than any good”.
“We appeal to the political and military leadership of both the countries to act with patience and not allow minor things to trigger a war,” he said adding the two countries have fought four wars in the past but none benefited from these and instead the wars took away precious lives and caused massive destruction.
Pakistani troops have resorted to heavy firing and mortar shelling in Poonch sector which led to suspension of cross-LoC travel between Poonch-Rawalakote this week.
Meanwhile, Abdullah congratulated Amarinder Singh for taking oath as the 26th Chief Minister of Punjab and expressed hope that he will live up to the expectations of the people who have given him the mandate and reposed faith in him.
“I am confident that Singh will emerge as a successful chief minister of Punjab and will work for the development of all sections of the society. He will take the state to new heights,” Abdullah said.
