Srinagar (NVI): Lt Gen BS Raju, the General-Officer-Commanding of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps today said that the situation in the Kashmir Valley is fairly normal and that all parameters of violence have seen a distinct drop.
“I think the situation remains fairly normal (in Valley), I have no hesitation in saying that all the parameters of violence whether in terms of stone-pelting, agitations or bandhs, everything has seen a very distinct drop,” the Chinar Corps Commander said today.
The top Army commander also welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, saying that it will give the Army a better capacity to check infiltrations.
“It’s a positive step & has immense potential to bring peace to people in border areas. We’ve had many civilian casualties due to ceasefire violations in Kupwara & Uri. It’ll (ceasefire agreement b/w India & Pak) also give us better capacity to check infiltrations,” he said.
The Chinar Corps Commanders remarks come days after India and Pakistan armies agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and all other sectors with effect from February 24 midnight.
A joint statement by the two sides said that the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact. The two sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere.
Both sides had also reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding, as per the joint statement.
On Saturday, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Y K Joshi had said that there will be no let-up in counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir irrespective of the ceasefire agreement between the two armies.
-ARK
