Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, expressing relief over the development while emphasizing that timely action could have saved lives lost in recent cross-border hostilities.
“If the ceasefire had come two or three days earlier, perhaps we could have prevented the tragic loss of lives,” Abdullah said, referring to the recent escalation that prompted heavy shelling in border areas. The ceasefire was reportedly initiated following a call by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to his Indian counterpart.
“We welcome the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. It will save lives. Now our job is to provide relief to the affected population” Honourable CM @OmarAbdullah.pic.twitter.com/hefmM9eBJB
— JKNC (@JKNC_) May 10, 2025
Abdullah called on the current Jammu and Kashmir administration to move swiftly in providing aid and assessing damage in affected areas. “It is the responsibility of the government to assess the damage and start relief operations immediately,” he said, underscoring the urgency of rehabilitation efforts for civilians whose homes and livelihoods have been devastated.
Highlighting the need for comprehensive medical support, he added, “Wherever people are injured, they must receive proper treatment and assistance under government schemes. Compensation and care cannot wait.”
The former chief minister also pointed to the destruction caused by fires resulting from the shelling. “The damage is extensive. District Collectors have been directed to complete damage assessments urgently and submit them, so relief distribution can begin without delay,” Abdullah noted.
He also raised concerns about the prolonged closure of Srinagar Airport, which has remained shut amid the hostilities. “Our airport has been closed for many days now. With the ceasefire in place, we hope normal air services will resume soon,” he said, stressing the broader impact of the conflict on connectivity and public movement.
Now that we have a ceasefire I hope the airports can be reopened quickly & civil flights can resume. We have a backlog of hajis who should have been in Medina by now. I hope the Union Government will move quickly to reopen airspace & enable us to resume Haj flights from Srinagar.…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 10, 2025
