Central government declares Ramadan truce in Kashmir

NEW DELHI — In a major decision, the Centre on Wednesday asked security forces not to launch operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramadan.

The decision has been taken to help the peace loving Muslims observe Ramadan in a peaceful environment, a home ministry spokesperson said.

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

“It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror,” the spokesperson said. “The government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Ramadan peacefully and without any difficulties”, the spokesperson said. The first time the Central government announced halt in its operations against militants was on November

The decision has been taken to help the peace loving Muslims observe Ramadan in a peaceful environment. Home Ministry

19, 2000 when the then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee made a unilateral declaration of stopping combat operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday welcomed the Centre’s announcement of the ceasefire.

“I wholeheartedly welcome the Ramadan ceasefire. The month is a harbinger of peace and such a decision will go a long way in creating a peaceful and amicable environment for a sustained dialogue,” she tweeted.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the unilateral ceasefire followed a demand from all political parties except the Bharatiya Janata Party. “Now if the militants don’t respond in kind, they will stand exposed as the true enemies of the people,” the National Conference leader tweeted.

Separatist leaders remained tight-lipped but the common man was overjoyed.

“Believe me, I have not been able sleep in peace during the last many months due to the impeding danger of an encounter in our area. The decision has come as a great relief and ordinary Kashmiris like me only hope the decision is reciprocated by militants,” said a resident of Pulwama district who did not want to be named. In Srinagar, there was elation. “This was the most immediate requirement for indicating a mindset favouring a dialogue rather than violence. Ramadan has created another ray of hope for us,” said Firdous Ahmad, a shopkeeper in the city’s uptown area.