Firing along LoC: UN asked to compel India to initiate talks

‘Ceasefire violations by India have forced 510 people in Kotli to move to Nakyal’.

MUZAFFARABAD:

Political leaders and people living along the line of control (LoC) have demanded that the UN adopt a proactive approach to compel India to initiate substantive talks on Kashmir by also involving Kashmiri leaders to find a permanent and durable solution to the dispute.

They were speaking at a protest rally, organised by two local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Kotli, against ceasefire violations by Indian troops along the LoC.

A large number of people including peace activists, representatives of political parties, traders, lawyers and others participated in the rally.

They said that the continued firing by the Indian troops have forced 510 people in Kotli to migrate to Nakyal.

The protesters said at least 128 families have taken shelter in school buildings and temporary camps in Nakyal.

Protesters carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans like “no to civilian killings along LoC” and “education and progress not war are our prior needs” demanded an end to the unprovoked firing incidents on the LoC by the Indian troops. They expressed concern over the loss of lives of civilians and Pakistanis soldiers.

The protesters also presented a memorandum to the United Nations Military Observers Group for India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). In the memorandum, it was said that people along the LoC had been in the grip of fear due to the ceasefire violations by the India troops.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31^st, 2013.