Anti-terror operations will run at full throttle in Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre said on Sunday, ending the Ramzan truce a day after Eid celebrations.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement that terrorists kept attacking innocent people and soldiers despite security forces exercising maximum restraint during the holy month.
The decision was taken after Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi three days ago and briefed him about the ground situation in the Valley. Also, security establishments failed to arrive at a consensus, on whether the ceasefire should continue after Eid, despite two rounds of hectic deliberations last week, said sources.
While the National Security Advisor was in favour of ending the ceasefire in view of the security concerns over Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on June 28, the forces on the ground wanted the truce to continue to facilitate political movement.
Things quickly tilted towards action on the ground after editor of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead by terrorists.
Two security officers were also killed in the attack. The same day, terrorists abducted Rifleman Aurangzeb and killed him in Pulwama district. Aurangzeb was a part of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Shadimarg in Shopian.
In his statement, Singh said that during ceasefire while the security forces have displayed exemplary restraint during this period, the "terrorists have continued with their attacks, on civilians and security forces, resulting in deaths and injuries".
Singh directed the security forces to take all necessary actions as earlier to prevent terrorists from launching attacks and indulging in violence and killings.
The minister explained that the Centre decided on May 17 that security forces will not conduct offensive operations in J&K during the holy month of Ramazan. This decision was taken in the interests of the peace-loving people of J&K.
He said security forces implemented the decision in letter and spirit in the face of grave provocation, to enable the Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Ramazan in a peaceful manner. "This has been widely appreciated by the people all over the country, including J&K, and has brought relief to the common citizens," said the Union Home Minister, adding that it was expected that everyone will cooperate in ensuring the success of this initiative.
Singh said that government will continue with its endeavour to create an environment free of terror and violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, he asserted: "It is important that all sections of peace-loving people come together to isolate the terrorists and motivate those who have been misguided to return to the path of peace."
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Stone pelters")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}