India-Pak ceasefire contributed to feeling of peace; first step in the direction of lengthy street of normalisation of ties: Army chief

The holding of the ceasefire between Indian and Pakistani armies alongside the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir for the final three months has contributed to a sense of peace and safety and it is step one in the direction of a protracted street of normalisation of ties between the 2 international locations, Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane has stated.
In an unique interview to PTI, Gen Naravane, on the identical time, stated the ceasefire doesn’t imply that India’s combat in opposition to terrorism has come to a halt and famous that there was no motive to imagine that the fear infrastructure alongside the LoC has been dismantled by the Pakistan Army.
The Army Chief additionally stated that consistency within the discount in infiltration makes an attempt and terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir will go a good distance in assuring India of Pakistani intent to foster good neighbourly relations.
Gen Naravane stated adherence to the ceasefire pact has “definitely” contributed to the general feeling of peace and safety within the area and boosted prospects of peace after a protracted spell of flare-ups.
In a sudden and important transfer geared toward decreasing tensions, the Indian and Pakistani armies on February 25 introduced that they’d stop firing throughout the LoC whereas recommitting themselves to a 2003 ceasefire settlement.
“Ceasefire alongside the LoC doesn’t imply that our combat in opposition to terrorism has come to a halt. We would not have any causes to imagine that the fear infrastructure alongside the LoC has been dismantled by the Pakistan Army.
“Whether it is their inability or unwillingness, both are equally dangerous and concerning, especially seen in the light of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan,” the Army chief stated, referring to the Biden administration’s resolution to tug out American troops from Afghanistan by September 11.
Referring to the ceasefire, Gen Naravane stated there was not a single incident of cross-border firing by the 2 armies after the pact got here into impact although there was an incident involving the Pakistani Rangers within the Jammu sector.
“This year, we have seen a drastic reduction in the violence levels inJammu and Kashmir. Security forces and other government agencies are working in sync to maintain pressure on terror groups and squeeze out the logistics support,” he stated.
“Consistency in a reduction in infiltration attempts and terrorist incidents in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will go a long way in assuring us of Pakistani intent to foster good neighbourly relations with us,” Gen Naravane stated.
He stated there was a renewed emphasis on observing the ceasefire settlement of 2003 as a result of heavy losses of civilian and army lives throughout the LoC.
“Cessation of firing is in the interest of building trust between the two armies, for giving chance to peace and for the benefit of the population residing along the LoC,” he stated.
The Army Chief stated India want to proceed with the ceasefire in order that it contributes to stability and enchancment within the relationship.
“It is the first step towards the long road of normalisation of relations with Pakistan. From our side, we would like to continue with the ceasefire so that it contributes to stability and improvement in the relationship,” he stated.
Gen Naravane additionally stated that recruitment of native youths into militant outfits has additionally witnessed discount, including it’s an indicator that the widespread folks desired peace.
“We remain committed to providing a conducive environment for peace to prevail. Economic activity had commenced well this year but has been slowed down due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic,” he stated.
“I am sure that this is a temporary pause and commercial activities will resume soon as, during the winter months, we had seen a record number of tourists visiting the Valley,” he famous.
At the identical time, he stated smuggling of weapons and narcotics remained a priority and there have been makes an attempt to make use of unmanned programs after people have been caught.
“We continue to monitor these developments and maintain a robust counter-infiltration grid. We do not want the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to indulge in drugs, crime or violence,” he stated.

“The youth are bright and many have demonstrated their capability by doing well in sports and academics, bringing laurels to their families, their village, town, district and the union territory,” he stated.
Gen Naravane stated the Indian Army actively encourages such aspirations by organising numerous sports activities and academic occasions.
“We remain hopeful that the menace will end with concerted efforts of the government and ‘Awaam’,” he famous.
Pakistan has been making concerted efforts to internationalise the Kashmir situation. The neighbouring nation stepped up its anti-India marketing campaign after New Delhi introduced in August 2019 its resolution to withdraw the particular standing of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two union territories.
India has advised Pakistan that it wishes regular neighbourly relations with Islamabad in an setting freed from terror, hostility and violence.
It has stated the onus is on Pakistan to create an setting freed from terror and hostility