By IRNA,
Islamabad : The United Nations mission monitoring a cease-fire between Pakistan and India in the disputed Kashmir region will rotate to Indian-controlled Kashmir next month, the Pakistani military said Tuesday.
A simple but impressive ceremony was held at the office of the United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to mark the termination of their routine six monthly rotation, an army statement said.
Headquarters UNMOGIP operates at Islamabad from 1st November to 30 April and shifts to Srinagar for next six months.
Colonel Jalmo Juhani Helenius, acting Chief of Military Observer lowered the UN flag to mark the culmination of their tenure in Pakistan. Senior Pakistani military officials and a large number of diplomats were also present on this occasion.
The UNMOGIP was established on 24 January 1949 with a task for UN observers to aid local commanders on both sides, in verifying the cease-fire line and notification of cease-fire breaches to the two parties.
The role of UNMOGIP is to maintain a UN presence along the LOC, monitor during road reconnaissance and military visit to the forward areas, investigate and report on alleged cease-fire violations, to assist UN military and civilian personnel to travel in the mission area and assist both sides in keeping peace.
Presently there are 123 personnel including 44 military observers and 28 international civilian personnel who form part of UNMOGIP.
Presence of UNMOGIP in Pakistan reflects the UN’s resolve to find a solution to the problem of Kashmir under UN resolution.