Unfruitful exercise

The killing of innocent civilians due to continues shelling by the Pakistani forces along International Border in Jammu region entered third day today. As many as five civilians have been killed so far and over 30, including five BSF personnel, injured. The BSF is also reportedly responding strongly to the unprovoked firing. The ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces have increased in the last few years. The Line of Control (LOC) continues to remain tensed because of the trouble created by Pakistan. People living along the LOC are the worst sufferers. The sudden increase in shelling by Pakistani forces is surprising considering the fact that it is holy month of Ramzan and Indian government has announced a ceasefire in the Kashmir Valley to mark the month.
The decision to observe ceasefire was made by central government after Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti demanded a ‘Ramzan ceasefire’. Many expected militants and also its supporter based in Pakistan to reciprocate. But instead Pakistan has intensified shelling in the last few days in Jammu region. The continued bloodshed along LOC and inside Kashmir valley raises serious question mark over the policy of central government. They have failed to effectively deal with Pakistan to put an end to violence. The militants operating inside valley are supported by Pakistan. Therefore unless Pakistan stops supporting them, the situation will not improve in Kashmir valley. The ceasefire extended by centre to mark holy month of Ramzan is a good initiative but it is unlikely to yield any positive result.