A study group has been set up by the government to examine the problems faced by people residing near the International Border (IB) and and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of regular ceasefire violations by Pakistan, an official said.
The group will meet people living in the border areas of J&K, security forces deployed there, district administration officials and local public representatives, and submit its report within two months.
“The competent authority has approved the constitution of a study group for considering various problems being faced by the people residing near the IB and LoC, in the wake of regular threats of cross border firing,” an order issued by the Home Ministry said.
Rina Mitra, Special Secretary in the Home Ministry, will head the team. The Principal Secretary (Home) in the J&K government, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, and the Divisional Commissioner of Srinagar, are members. The Joint Secretary (J&K) in the Home Ministry is the Member-Secretary of the group.
The study group will prepare a detailed report on the issues faced by people living near the IB and LoC, and submit its recommendations on the remedial action needed to address these issues, the order said.
India shares a 3,323 km-long border with Pakistan, of which 221 km of the IB and 740 km of the LoC fall in J&K.
There has been a sharp increase in ceasefire violations by Pakistan in recent times. Till September 30, there were over 600 violations in which eight civilians and 16 security personnel were killed.