Srinagar: The year-old ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir is holding and the Indian Army would like it to continue for the benefit of the common people on both sides of the divide but was remaining vigilant as the “‘enemy is very very devious , a top army commander said here on Tuesday.
General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Army’s 15 Corps or the Chinar Corps, Lt Gen D P Pandey said while Pakistan is holding onto the compulsions for which it went for the reiteration of the ceasefire agreement in February last year, “we have to see” what its “aim and intent is in the times to come .
The top officer urged the youths in Kashmir to shun the path of violence and said the focus should be on dealing with elements in the country who are instigating them. He also cautioned against the people who are enjoying a good life abroad but are radicalising the youths in the country and spoiling their future.
He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
We are dealing with an enemy which looks after itself first. So, there were compulsions for which they went for this thing (ceasefire). They are holding on to those compulsions. I look at it for the people of Kashmir on our side and the other side, both have benefited, Lt Gen Pandey said.
He said the Army will like the ceasefire to continue only for the benefit of the people of Kashmir so that there is free movement for trade, farming, business and schooling.
So that they (people of Kashmir on both sides) can live a life of a common citizen while the peace remains. That is the major benefit which has gone to them, he said.
The GoC said while the ceasefire was holding, the Army was very carefully on the watch because the enemy is very very devious .
So, in that, he will keep on instigating the elements, terrorists to come across. So, while as of now, the ceasefire is holding, we need to be vigilant all the time and see what his aim and intent is in the times to come, he added.
Describing the situation on the eve of the Republic Day celebrations as absolutely fine , the Army official said there is a surge in the demand for the national flag across Kashmir by the people.
This is a great indicator of the mood of the people of Kashmir. This is a positive thing happening… I think there are great times ahead.
“The only thing is that the people should be vigilant against the nexus which is trying to corrupt their minds, and not listen to them in whichever form they try to instigate any such activity which is anti-national and anti-people of Kashmir, he said.
