Jammu: The Indian Army on Sunday dismissed reports of a scheduled DGMO-level meeting with Pakistan, confirming that no such talks are planned and that the ceasefire agreement between the two countries remains in effect without an expiry date.
A statement issued by the Defence Ministry addressed growing media speculation and public queries regarding the status of the ceasefire and the possibility of renewed hostilities. “No DGMO talks are scheduled today. Regarding the continuation of the break in hostilities, as decided during the DGMO interaction on May 12, there is no expiry date,” the statement read.
The ceasefire, agreed upon in the May 12 DGMO-level interaction, marked a significant de-escalation in tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated that trade relations with Pakistan and the Indus Water Treaty will remain suspended despite the ceasefire.
During recent visits to military installations, including the 15 Corps headquarters in Badami Bagh, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Indian Air Force base in Bhuj, Gujarat, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored that the ceasefire will be upheld only if Pakistan ceases support for terrorism. “India has placed Pakistan on probation. Any hostile act will receive a firm and appropriate response,” Singh warned.
Meanwhile, the Indian security establishment—comprising the army, police, and intelligence agencies—continues to maintain high alert levels nationwide. Forces are closely monitoring suspected terrorist operatives, overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers.
Despite the ceasefire, border residents in Jammu and Kashmir continue to bear the brunt of earlier hostilities. Heavy mortar shelling by the Pakistan Army in recent weeks forced hundreds to flee their homes, particularly in Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts. Over 200 homes and commercial establishments were reportedly damaged or destroyed.
Now, cautiously hopeful for stability, many displaced families have started returning to their villages to resume agricultural and pastoral activities.
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Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
