JK: Centre accepts Mufti's demand to halt security operations during Ramzan

The security forces reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people.

AFP PHOTO

New Delhi: Giving a nod to the demand of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, the centre has suspended anti-militancy operations unilaterally in Jammu and Kashmir till the holy month of Ramzan. As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Centre has asked the security forces not to launch operations in J&K during the month of Ramzan. However, the security forces reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people. Home Ministry said that the decision not to launch operations is taken to help peace loving Muslims observe Ramzan in peaceful environment. Union Home Minister has informed the chief minister of J-K of Centre's decision to halt security operations during Ramzan. The Ministry tweeted from its official handle:"Government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers & sisters to observe Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties." It further said: "It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror."

The Centre asks Security Forces not to launch operations in Jammu & Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan. Decision taken to help the peace loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment. HM Shri @rajnathsingh has informed the Chief Minister, J&K of Centre’s decision.

— HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018

Security Forces to reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people. Government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers & sisters to observe Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties.

— HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018

It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror.

— HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018

JK CM Mehbooba Mufti took to Twitter to welcome the decision of the Centre.  She wrote: "I wholeheartedly welcome the Ramadan ceasefire & would like to thank Narendra Modi Ji and Rajnath Singh Ji, for their personal intervention. My gratitude also to the leaders & parties who participated in the All Party Meeting & helped build consensus towards this announcement."

I wholeheartedly welcome the Ramadan ceasefire & would like to thank @narendramodi ji & @rajnathsingh ji for their personal intervention. My gratitude also to the leaders & parties who participated in the All Party Meeting & helped build consensus towards this announcement. 1/2

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 16, 2018

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. 2/2

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 16, 2018

The decision was taken after the chief minister Mehbooba Mufti last week asked 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 made the remarks after chairing a four-hour all-party meeting, which was convened to discuss the present situation in the Kashmir Valley. However, BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit had earlier opposed the unilateral ceasefire demand. 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. The Centre however has agreed for suspension of all operations, but it reserved the right to defend itself from attacks.