Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 27: Leaders from various political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have strongly condemned the ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC).
They have expressed their deep concerns about the impact of these violations on the lives of border residents and called for swift and appropriate action in response to these incidents.
Dr Farooq Abdullah, Member of Parliament from Srinagar and President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, expressed concern about the cross-border shelling along the International Border in the Arnia sector of Jammu.
He called for strict adherence to ceasefire agreements between India and Pakistan and emphasized the need for safety and security measures for border dwellers.
Dr Farooq urged the Government to provide essential supplies such as food, water, and shelter to families that had evacuated the border areas due to the escalation of violence, ensuring their well-being.
Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister, Kavinder Gupta, strongly condemned Pakistan for its unprovoked firing and shelling along the border.
He expressed the BJP’s unwavering support for the people affected by this crisis and commended the Indian security personnel for their resolute defence of the nation’s borders.
Gupta asserted that the armed forces have been authorized to respond firmly to Pakistan’s aggression, sending a strong message on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He urged unity and support for the Government’s efforts to protect the nation and its people in the face of external threats.
Raman Bhalla, Working President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), visited villages affected by firing from across the border and assessed the losses due to ceasefire violations by Pakistan.
Bhalla called on the Government to ensure the safety and security of border residents and provide essential amenities to affected families.
He emphasized the need to silence the Pakistani guns along the Line of Control (LoC) and international border and criticized the Central and State Governments for their response to ceasefire violations.
Bhalla expressed shock over the shelling on civilians in Arnia village and called for concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of the people.
Ch Gharu Ram, former Minister and President of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party in Jammu Central Zone, visited shelling-affected villages in the RS Pura Sector and urged the Union Government to provide safety measures, ration/food, shelter, medical care, and schooling facilities to the people of border areas.
He demanded high-level visits to the affected villages, financial assistance for affected families, and the reconstruction of bunkers in the border villages.
Gharu Ram emphasized the need to address pending cases related to firing incidents dating back to 2008, and he highlighted the erosion of trust in the civil administration due to past inaction.
Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary and former MLC Vibodh Gupta voiced his strong condemnation of Pakistan’s unprovoked firing in the Arnia and Suchetgarh sectors along the International Border.
Gupta suggested that Pakistan’s actions were driven by deep frustration and an attempt to provoke India, a nation that he characterized as being peace-loving.
He also stated that people on both sides of the border, including those in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), celebrated the historic Accession Day with enthusiasm.
According to Gupta, this celebration sends a clear message that both sides are looking forward to the reunion of PoJK with the Indian Union. He cited the Prime Minister’s commitment to retrieving PoJK from Pakistan and the Modi Government’s bold decisions aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Gupta highlighted the success in eliminating militants and addressing security concerns, which he claimed had led to Pakistan’s desperation to infiltrate terrorists and send weapons along the International Border.
He expressed confidence in the Indian army and paramilitary forces, stating their determination to thwart Pakistan’s attempts to revive militancy in the Union Territory.
Rattan Lal Gupta, the Provincial President of Jammu for the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, strongly condemned the shelling by Pakistani Rangers in the Arnia Sector.
He raised concerns about the violation of the ceasefire agreement signed between India and Pakistan authorities on February 25, 2021. Gupta pointed out that this was the second incident of a truce pact violation by Pakistan within a week, and it was a matter of great concern for the people living on both sides of the border.
He mentioned the disruption of the lives of border residents due to the mortar shells fired by Pakistani Rangers and expressed disappointment with the defunct bunkers.
According to Gupta, people had to migrate and take refuge in temples and other places because the bunkers built by the Modi Government proved ineffective during the recent shelling.
He also questioned the utility of 5 Marla plots promised by the Government for border dwellers and the expenditure on bunkers that he considered wastage of resources.
While calling for an end to hostilities, he appealed to the Governments of both countries to respect and uphold the ceasefire agreement signed in 2021.
S Manjit Singh, the Provincial President of Jammu for the Apni Party and a former Minister, visited the shelling-hit villages, including Bulle Chak village, and interacted with affected families.
Singh appreciated the Border Security Forces for their prompt response and rescue operations.
However, he noted that there was a need for more bunkers in the villages, with better facilities, especially for women. He expressed gratitude to the defence forces and the BSF for helping border families during this challenging time.
Singh emphasized that the Apni Party stood with the border residents and demanded a survey to determine where more bunkers should be constructed for the civilian population, thus avoiding the need for migration to towns.
He called for an atmosphere free of fear and terror so that people could work in their fields to earn a livelihood.
Ashwani Sharma, former MLA and senior leader of the BJP, strongly condemned the unprovoked firing by Pakistani Rangers in the Arnia sector on the International Border.
He assured the affected people that the Government was committed to safeguarding their lives.
Sharma attributed Pakistan’s actions to frustration, as militancy has been significantly reduced in Jammu and Kashmir, and people are no longer supporting Pakistan’s propaganda.
He acknowledged the successful elimination of militants and praised the strength of the anti-infiltration grid, making it difficult for Pakistan to send terrorists across the border.
Sharma mentioned that Pakistan’s frustration had grown since the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A and that terrorism had been largely eradicated in the region.
He asserted that such acts of firing along the International Border would not deter the people of the Union Territory from working for its development.
Senior Congress leader and DDC member from Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony strongly condemned Pakistan for unprovoked firing and shelling on Indian borders, violating the ceasefire agreement.
He toured shelling-affected areas in Suchetgarh, commending the efforts of the civil administration and the police department. Tony expressed concerns about the faulty design of community bunkers and the need for better safety measures.
He also raised the issue of past administrations providing only superficial relief to residents in border areas and called for the prioritization of compensation for their losses.
Tony expressed gratitude to the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Army for their response to Pakistan’s aggression.
Ch Manmohan Singh, President of the All India Jat Maha Sabha in Jammu & Kashmir, led a delegation to visit shelling-affected villages and assess the damages caused by unprovoked shelling from across the border.
He called on the Government to respond firmly to Pakistan’s violations of the ceasefire agreement and prioritize the safety and well-being of the border communities.
Singh emphasized the need to build new, sturdier bunkers in every street of border villages and provide financial relief to affected families.
He also called for life insurance for residents of border areas and expressed solidarity with the farming community, highlighting the difficulties they face due to unpredictable shelling.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) unit in Jammu and Kashmir issued a strong condemnation of the ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Arnia sector of Jammu.
They highlighted the unprovoked firing and mortar attacks in residential areas and demanded swift action from the Indian Government against Pakistan.
The Shiv Sena called for an immediate suspension of all political, diplomatic, and trade relations with Pakistan.
Manish Sahni, the President of Shiv Sena in Jammu and Kashmir, expressed grave concern about Pakistan’s actions and stated that it was high time to eliminate terrorism-supporting Pakistan.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s continued violation of the ceasefire posed a threat to the border areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
The party questioned how long the Indian Government would tolerate Pakistan’s actions and why there had been an escalation in ceasefire violations. They also raised questions about the effectiveness of bunkers built at significant expense.
Sunil Dimple, the President of Mission Statehood, led an anti-Pakistan rally on Janipur High Court Road, burning Pakistan flags in protest against the ceasefire violation in RS Pura, Arnia, and Samba on the LoC borders.
During the rally, Dimple called on Prime Minister Modi to initiate war and surgical strikes on Pakistan, providing a befitting response.
He highlighted the heavy losses in terms of property, lives, and injuries due to Pakistan’s shelling and called for the liberation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Gilgit, Baltistan, and their inclusion as part of India.
He also urged the Government of India to allocate five Marla plots to border residents in safer locations.
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