(30 May 2018) Pakistan and India have agreed to stop trading artillery fire in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, and on Wednesday the situation was calm after months of routine skirmishes that killed dozens of soldiers and civilians.
Pakistan's military said late on Tuesday that local generals reached the understanding using a special hotline set up to defuse tensions in Kashmir, which is split between Indian and Pakistani zones of control.
The shelling has cast a pall over the holy month of Ramadan in the mostly Muslim region.
On the streets of Srinagar, people welcomed the announcement on Wednesday but said it should be followed by more steps to ensure peace on the border.
Tensions have soared in recent weeks, as both sides have launched artillery assaults across the Line of Control dividing the region.
Each side has accused the other of starting the hostilities in violation of the 2003 accord.
India says 25 civilians and 18 soldiers have been killed this year in over 800 cease-fire violations initiated by Pakistan.
Pakistan accuses Indian forces of more than 1,050 cease-fire violations this year, resulting in the deaths of 28 civilians and injuries to 117 others.
Journalist and political commentator Sheikh Abdul Qayoom told AP from Srinagar that the ceasefire will not hold "unless the basic problem gets solved at the highest political level between the two countries."
The two sides have also agreed to fully implement a 2003 cease-fire that has been repeatedly violated.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
