Ramzan ceasefire: Centre halts Army operations in Kashmir during holy month

Narendra Modi-led NDA government on Wednesday directed security forces not to launch anti-terrorists operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramadan.

“The Centre asks Security Forces not to launch operations in Jammu & Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan,” Ministry of Home Affairs tweeted.

The ministry said that the decision to halt operations was taken to “help the peace-loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment”.

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

Reacting to Centre’s move, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh and all the parties who helped reach consensus towards the decision.

“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.” Mufti tweeted.

The chief minister hoped that the decision would pave a way for the “peaceful and amicable” environment in the state.

“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 said in a series of tweets.

Earlier, Mufti had demanded a unilateral ceasefire by the security forces during Ramzan and Amarnath yatra in the valley.