IIOJK Leaders Welcome India-Pakistan Ceasefire, Call for Lasting Peace

Amid ongoing tensions, political voices in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) are uniting in rare consensus—calling the India-Pakistan ceasefire a step toward long-awaited peace.

Political parties in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, expressing cautious optimism that this could pave the way for lasting peace in the conflict-hit region.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while speaking to reporters in Srinagar, said he “welcomes from the depths of his heart” the ceasefire announcement by the Indian government. Though he acknowledged the step was delayed, he stressed its importance, remarking, “Better late than never, but had this ceasefire come two or three days earlier, perhaps the bloodshed and the precious lives lost could have been saved.”

Farooq Abdullah, President of the ruling National Conference (NC), echoed a similar sentiment. In a statement from the party headquarters, he said the ceasefire decision is a much-needed measure, considering the immense suffering endured by people living along the Line of Control. He urged that hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors must come to an end to ensure safety and stability.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti also welcomed the move and highlighted its significance for the common people of IIOJK. “This is good news for the people of IIOJK who have been suffering,” she said, adding, “I hope both countries will sit together and find a way to establish peace that is permanent and not vulnerable to incidents.”

Mufti also referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks in support of peace, saying his comments brought a message of hope not only for Kashmir but for the entire South Asian region.

Veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader M Y Tarigami described the ceasefire as a “big relief” for people on both sides of the border, who have long suffered the consequences of cross-border firing and escalating tensions.

The collective voice of political leaders in IIOJK reflects a rare moment of unity on the need to prioritize peace over prolonged conflict. Their statements underline a shared belief that peace is not just desirable but essential for ending decades of violence, displacement, and uncertainty in IIOJK.

As these leaders call for dialogue and diplomatic engagement, their hope is that this ceasefire becomes a foundation for a comprehensive peace process, not a temporary pause in hostilities.