"Omar Abdullah Welcomes the India-Pakistan Truce": A nod to postponing hostilities.
New Delhi's bustling streets have been hushed. The nodal point of Jammu and Kashmir, where voices typically roar with unwavering spirit, now vibrates with muted excitement. The "full and immediate" ceasefire between India and Pakistan, after days of skirmishes across the border, has brought a sense of respite. Here's a rundown, straight from the horse's mouth, of the key players weighing in on the latest development.
The Local Hero
Omar Abdullah, the dapper Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, has welcomed the ceasefire with open arms. "If talks had happened earlier, many lives might have been saved," he asserted. With an air of optimism, he declared the government's commitment to addressing the damages and aiding those who've been affected. Healthcare for the injured and resuming the airport operations for Hajj pilgrims are top priorities, he stressed.
The Grande Old Party
Farooq Abdullah, the perennial presence of National Conference, believes the onus falls on Islamabad to bridge the trust deficit. By addressing New Delhi's concerns regarding cross-border terrorism, peace can be restored for the people in border areas who've been caught in the crossfire.
The Iron Lady of Politics
Mehbooba Mufti, the People's Democratic Party chief, has called for the establishment of permanent peace. She advocates for India to play the role of a "big brother" in the region, ensuring peace and prosperity for all.
The Cautious One
Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka Chief Minister, has raised the need for continued vigilance in countering terrorism. Regardless of the ceasefire, he emphasizes the importance of staying focused on this critical issue.
The Tamil Tiger
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, in his characteristic rugged style, reiterated his state's solidarity with the armed forces. His heartfelt salute to the troops steels the spirit of those safeguarding our borders.
The Political Strategist
Jairam Ramesh, the stalwart Congress leader, called for an immediate all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament. He urges Prime Minister Narendra Modi to collaborate with political parties and address the pressing national security challenges together.
The Wordsmith
Party colleague Shashi Tharoor says the "lesson" India wanted to teach terrorists has been learned. Peace, he insists, is essential, and he believes India has successfully imparted the desired lesson.
The Man Behind the Curtain
In a brief yet powerful announcement, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the agreement between India and Pakistan to halt military actions on land, air, and sea. Misri's declaration followed US President Donald Trump's statement that the two countries have agreed to a ceasefire.
India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 8 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians. The retaliatory strikes against nine terror sites in Pakistan sparked cross-border firing and heightened the tension between the long-time adversaries.
With the ceasefire now in force, efforts can be made to evaluate the extent of the damage, initiate relief efforts, and address the long-standing issues in Jammu and Kashmir. The cautious optimism that has taken hold in the region can ultimately lead to a sustained peace process and a brighter future.
- Omar Abdullah, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, stressed the need to address damages and aid those affected, following the 'ceasefire' between India and Pakistan.
- Farooq Abdullah, a National Conference leader, urged Islamabad to bridge the trust deficit to restore peace for border area inhabitants caught in war-and-conflicts.
- Jairam Ramesh, a Congress leader, advocated for an immediate all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament to collaborate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on national security challenges.
- In the political sphere, the 'alleviation' of conflicts in Rajouri and other border regions has been a topic of great interest, with schemes being proposed to bring lasting peace.
