Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India]: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan and called on the state administration to urgently initiate relief efforts for civilians impacted by recent cross-border hostilities.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said the ceasefire had come too late for those who had lost their lives and urged the authorities to move swiftly to assess and compensate affected communities.
“I welcome the ceasefire. If it had happened 2–3 days ago, the lives we lost would not have been lost,” Abdullah said.
He confirmed that the Pakistani DGMO contacted his Indian counterpart, leading to an agreement to halt all military actions—on land, at sea, and in the air—effective from 1700 IST today.
Calling for urgent medical attention and government compensation, Abdullah added:
“Wherever people are injured, they should get proper treatment and relief under the government scheme. The fire has caused significant damage. District Collectors have been instructed to assess the damage and submit reports quickly so relief can begin.”
He also highlighted the economic and logistical disruption caused by the conflict, stating:
“Our airport has been closed for many days. We hope that the airport will reopen after the ceasefire.”
The ceasefire was confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who said that the next round of DGMO-level talks will take place on May 12 at 1200 hours IST.
Misri emphasized that the ceasefire followed provocative escalations by Pakistan, and India had responded in a measured and responsible manner.
The de-escalation follows India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike on May 7 targeting nine terror sites deep inside Pakistan in response to the May 2 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s zero tolerance for terrorism:
“India and Pakistan have today worked out an understanding on the stoppage of firing and military action. India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.”
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that both countries had also agreed to begin comprehensive talks at a neutral location, following high-level engagement by the US.
“We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif for choosing the path of peace,” Rubio said, referencing talks with leaders including Narendra Modi, Shehbaz Sharif, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Ajit Doval.
As stability returns, all eyes are now on relief delivery and the upcoming military talks on May 12, which will shape the next phase of this fragile peace process.