Sources said it should not be viewed as a ceasefire but 'suspension of operations' during the month long Ramzan starting May 18.
Security forces will not be launching operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan later this week, Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Wednesday.
Security forces will, however, retain the right to retaliate if attacked or to protect civilian lives, Singh added.
Sources said it should not be viewed as a ceasefire but 'suspension of operations' during the month long Ramzan starting May 18.
Centre's announcement comes days after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had pitched the idea of a cessation of anti-terror operations to Singh and had also convened an All Party meeting in the strife hit state last week to discuss the possibilities.
The state BJP unit had said no to the proposal later.
In a series of tweets after the cabinet meeting, Singh said the government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and "help the Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties".
"Decision taken to help the peace loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment... It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror," Singh said.
Sources in the security establishment said a strong message was needed to normalise the situation in the Valley.
However, there is a view that terrorists group, which are currently under pressure, would get a month's time to regroup.
Even though there were reservations expressed by many in the security establishment, the decision was taken after a go-ahead from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sources also said that Singh was convinced that a conditional 'suspension of operations' is not a bad idea to win the confidence of locals who have been drifting away.
Recruitment of local Kashmiri youth in terror ranks has increased over the last two to three years.
"On an average, one youth joins such terror outfits every three days," said a source.
The last time such a step was taken was in the year 2000 under the leadership of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which was called 'non initiation of combat operation'.
Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the decision and thanked PM Modi and Singh.
"My gratitude also to the leaders & parties who participated in the All Party Meeting & helped build consensus towards this announcement," she wrote in a tweet.
What it means
- The decision may allow political activity that has frozen since July 2015 after the killing of Burhan Wani
- Will allow legislators to go to their constituencies and interact with people
- During Ramzan, activity of eating and cooking food shifts to night. Security forces were mostly conducting operations during night, thereby disturbing preparations for fasting
- Relief for public during the holy month as security forces may not go hunting for terrorists inside localities
- Participation of people in funerals of killed terrorists was a great worry as it provided recruitment ground for terror outfits
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