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Written by: Current News Service

Created: 16 May 2018

NEW DELHI: New Delhi has asked Government Forces not to launch operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the month of Ramadhan. However, forces have been given the right to retaliate “if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people.” “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,” Home Ministry said on Twitter.

 

In a series of tweets, it said that home minister Rajnath Singh has informed the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of the Centre’s decision. “It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror. Government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers & sisters to observe Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties,” it said. However, the forces “reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people.”

 

Meanwhile, Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti thanked Government of India for declaring unilateral ceasefire. “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. 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 tweeted. 
 She welcomed the Centre’s announcement of halting the security operations in Jammu & Kashmir during the holy month of Ramadhan which is about to start.

In a statement, the Chief Minister said the decision would go a long way in healing the wounds of people of the State’s people who have been suffering the tragedies and pain of violence and uncertainty for the past three decades or so. What best a time to go for this significant decision than the onset of holy month of Ramadhan which promotes values of patience, self-restraint and tolerance, she said in her statement adding that it would also provide the necessary breather to the people from the violence which they have been craving for so long.

Mehbooba Mufti thanked the Central Government particularly Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Home Minister, Rajnath Singh for making the momentous decision adding that this marks the beginning of listening to the accounts of agony of the State’s people by the country’s leadership and the policymakers which she has been requesting time and again. The Chief Minister urged all groups to reciprocate positively to the gesture which is aimed at giving relief to the people of the State who have seen enough torment and tragedy. Mehbooba Mufti also thanked all the political parties in the State which backed her idea of cessation of hostilities in one voice during the All Parties Meeting convened by her recently.