Timing of ceasefire violation, a matter of speculation: Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that the violation of ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) at a time when the Defence Minister is about to visit the state is a matter of speculation.

"It is a fact that there was a violation of ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC). To what extent this is an effort to test the resolve of the new government. To what extent this is timed primarily because the new defense minister is visiting Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow is a matter of speculation," said Abdullah.

The reports that I have received say that it was an intense exchange of fire, on both sides of the LoC. There were reports of shelves having landed in civil areas as well. This is not something that is new for us. Such things keep happening along international borders," he said.

"I can only appeal that calm be maintained along the border. This is the biggest measure of confidence given to people of Jammu and Kashmir by both the governments of India and Pakistan, but I hope that it is maintained," he added.

Earlier today, Pakistan troops violated the ceasefire by targeting Indian posts along the LoC in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir with heavy firing, drawing retaliation by Indian forces.