UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan redundant after Shimla Accord: Congress

NEW DELHI: Congress has backed the government decision to ask the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan ( UNMOGIP) to vacate its current premises, saying it had become "redundant" and had no purpose to serve any further in monitoring ceasefire violations on LoC.

"After the Shimla accord of 1972, India never filed any complaints of any ceasefire violation on LoC to UNMOGIP since bilateral mechanism were put in place.

"India has taken a considered view that UNMOGIP no longer has a purpose to serve and has therefore become redundant," it said in a statement.

"We understand that India's PR in New York should appropriately inform the Secretary General's office of India's decision," the party said.

It said that since UN had continued to post personnel, as a cooperative member of the UN India continued with courtesies provided.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi had earlier avoided an immediate response to the government's decision asking the UNMOGIP to vacate its current premises.

"We have a certain view but want to give a structured response. It is in waiting. Let us wait for a day or two. You will get a structured response," he had said.