APHC favours ceasefire, slams Indian dismissal of Pak proposal

SRINAGAR: Kashmiri separatists slammed India’s dismissal of a Pakistani ceasefire proposal in the disputed state, saying on Wednesday the spiking of guns could create a “congenial atmosphere” for talks.

“We have been saddened by India’s negative response to the Pakistani ceasefire offer,” Abbas Ansari, the head of region’s main separatist alliance the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, told reporters.

“There is still time for India to reconsider a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) as the development can create a congenial atmosphere for the talks,” he said. Ansari said on Wednesday a ceasefire along the LoC will “add momentum to the latest peace initiatives between India and Pakistan.” “We have been urging India and Pakistan to reduce troops on the LoC,” said Ansari. “If that is not possible they can at least stop shelling each other’s positions.” —AFP

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