‘India has right to respond to ceasefire violations by Pak’

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah takes a picture from his mobile of Gurez valley during a two- day tourism festival on Saturday. Photo: PTI

In the backdrop of recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said India has the right to respond to them.

“It is our right to respond in case of ceasefire violations,” he told reporters at an army function here on Sunday.

He hoped that Pakistan will keep its promise of holding truce along the LoC as it has helped people on both sides.

Mr. Abdullah said the army will return to the barracks only when the situation improves in the state.

“Stay of the army depends on the ground situation and as the situation improves the army will definitely go back to barracks in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Without pointing to any political party or organisation, he alleged that some vested elements were hell—bent upon creating an atmosphere of mistrust against Army and advocating revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and recalling army back to barracks.

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and separatists are demanding revocation of the AFSPA and Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) in Jammu and Kashmir and subsequent troops’ withdrawal from the state.