Jammu

With guns silent on the international border in Jammu, Samba and Kathua for the second day Sunday after 12 days of intermittent firing by Pakistan Rangers, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoped normalcy returns to the tormented lives of hundreds of people living close to the boundary.

Expressing hope that the situation remains normal on the borders, Abdullah tweeted: "After 12 days the border has finally fallen silent and people have been able to sleep at home without fear. Let us hope it stays this way now."

Abbdullah had Friday visited some villages close to the international border along with some of his ministers and officials. He became the first chief minister of the state ever to visit Nanga village in Samba district which is situated only a few metres away from the border.

The chief minister drove to the village in a private vehicle driven by National Conference provincial president Devender Rana. Only one escort vehicle accompanied the chief minister.

Security officials had feared allowing the usual high-profile security paraphernalia including jammer vehicles, dozens of escort vehicles and ambulances which follow the chief minister as this could alert the Pakistan Rangers who might then attempt to target the cavalcade.

By:IANS