Militants ‘desperately’ trying to sabotage Ramzan ceasefire, says Mehbooba

SRINAGAR : Militants are “desperately” trying to sabotage the Ramzan ceasefire declared by the central government, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Wednesday, a day before Union home minister Rajnath Singh is expected to visit the Valley.

Mufti has been seeking an extension of the ceasefire ever since it was announced by the Centre at the request of mainstream political parties last month.

“Even as we see the ceasefire bringing great relief to the people of J&K, militants seem to be continuing their violent activities and desperately trying to sabotage the process. I only hope that they realise the futility of their actions soon,” she tweeted hours after militants attacked an army camp at Hajin in north Kashmir’s Bandipore district.

The army repulsed the attack amid sloganeering by locals.

Mufti is again expected to seek an extension of the ceasefire after meeting Singh, who will land in Srinagar for a two-day visit on Thursday.

Sources said the Union minister may accede to her request once he has met up with top officials and reviewed security arrangements.

Although there has been a surge in militant attacks ever since the Centre took the step, with over twelve grenades being hurled at security forces, only one soldier was killed and four injured in the last 21 days.

While 10 alleged infiltrators from Pakistan were killed in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, south Kashmir witnessed no militant casualty during this period.

Addressing a rally in Srinagar on Sunday, Mufti said the unilateral ceasefire has created an amiable atmosphere in the Valley and separatists should grab the opportunity to launch talks with the central government.

“No army man, cop or CRPF jawan can find a solution to this issue. It needs a political solution. If there has been an invitation of talks from the central government, I request you all to save Jammu and Kashmir, its honour and its economy by coming forward. We can’t force you or dictate terms. We can only request your cooperation,” she said.