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Indian Leaders Discuss Extension of Kashmir Ceasefire
Indian leaders discussed here on Monday the issue of extension of the current unilateral ceasefire by Indian army in India-controlled Kashmir during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Press Trust of India (PTI) said.
The issue of ceasefire extension "is understood to have been Monday discussed" at an informal meeting convened by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said the PTI, adding that Indian Home Minister L.K. Advani, Defense Minister George Fernandes, Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Brajesh Mishra and army chief General S. Padmanabhan were present at the meeting.
However, there was no word on whether a final decision has been taken on this issue, the PTI added.
The Indian government and army enforced the Ramadan ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir late last month. According to media reports, some peace is prevailing along the Line of Control in Kashmir, but militants in the region continued to attack security forces and army camps.
The Hurriyat Conference, a conglomerate of 23 pro-independence groups in Kashmir, on Sunday formally welcomed the ceasefire and offered talks with the Indian central government.
Advani had earlier told the press that the ceasefire could be extended in view of "perceptible decline" in violence in Jammu and Kashmir and infiltration from across the border.
Vajpayee would make a final statement on the issue in the Indian parliament before its month-long winter session adjourns on December 22, Advani added.
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