The Centre on Wednesday announced a conditional ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan and asked the security forces not to launch operation.
The Centre on Wednesday announced a conditional ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan and asked the security forces not to launch operation.
Earlier this month, after an all-party meeting, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had appealed the central government to consider a unilateral ceasefire in the state starting from Ramzan in mid-May till the completion of the Amarnath yatra in August.
She had said that a ceasefire would provide relief to the people and help create a better atmosphere in the state. At that time, the state BJP seemed to be opposing such a decision.
The party's state unit had said militants were demoralised due to Army action and a unilateral ceasefire would ease pressure and allow them to re-energise.
Mehbooba reached out to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh with appeal to consider ceasefire and after careful consideration government has decided to extend ceasefire.
Announcing conditional ceasefire, the Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the security forces to reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people.
"The decision was taken to help the peace-loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment. The government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties," said Home Minister Rajnath Singh in series of tweets.
It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror.
Reacting to government's decision, Mufti said, "I wholeheartedly welcome the Ramadan ceasefire and would like to thank @narendramodi ji & @rajnathsingh ji for their personal intervention."
"My gratitude also to the leaders and parties who participated in the All Party Meeting & helped build consensus towards this announcement. The month of Ramadan is a harbinger of peace & such a decision will go a long way in creating a peaceful & amicable environment for a sustained dialogue," she said in a tweet.
The valley has witnessed the killing of over 55 militants including at least 27 locals this year.
Recently, Army chief Rawat appealed to Kashmiri youth to desist from the path of armed struggle. He said that they can't win against the might of the Indian Army.
A group of citizens, including former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha and former Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah, had also extended support to Mufti's call for a unilateral ceasefire till completion of the Amarnath Yatra.
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