Member Parliament (MP) and senior J&K National Conference (NC) leader Muhammad Akbar Lone on Saturday called for an end to skirmishes on Line of Control (LoC) in J&K adding that it is the people on LoC that bear the brunt of escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.
“The flaring–up of tensions between India and Pakistan on LoC makes the lives of locals living near borders no less than a terrible nightmare, situation in the forward posts has remained as it is since long, making the lives of locals miserable,” Lone said.
“Widespread distress is found among the people living alongside LoC over continued shelling from across the border resulting in loss of lives and property. There can be no substitute to talks and that only dialogue between the two neighbors can bring an end to border skirmishes. If dialogue could be employed as a medium to deescalate soaring up tensions with China after it had squatted Indian Territory, why it cannot be done with Pakistan,” he said.
“Fallout on International Border and LoC is excruciatingly felt by the people who along with their belongings and livestock become cannon fodder of such cross border skirmishes. These skirmishes also have a chilling effect on the economic activities of the people, dwelling in border areas and other forward posts. Caught between the devil and the deep sea, they aren’t able to manage their household chores and look after their farms. Peace on the border is far more indispensable since any fall out there has its direct impact on the daily lives of the locals. Ubiquitous tension on borders besides affecting the economic activities also causes mental trepidation to the elderly and children,” he added.
Meanwhile Vice President North Zone Dr Sajad Shafi Uri, Kafil Ur Rehman have also appealed for restraint on borders.