Ramzan Ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir not to be extended, says Rajnath Singh

The government has decided not to extend Ramzan ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir post the month of Ramzan, the Union Home Ministry said on Sunday.

"The Government of India decides not to extend the suspension of operations in J&K announced at the beginning of Ramazan. The operations against the terrorists to resume," the Home Ministry tweeted.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that while security forces displayed "exemplary restraint" during the Ramzan ceasefire, the terrorists continued to attack civilians and security forces.

"It was expected that everyone will cooperate in ensuring the success of this initiative. While the Security Forces have displayed exemplary restraint during this period, the terrorists have continued with their attacks, on civilians and SFs, resulting in deaths and injuries," Singh tweeted.

The home minister directed the security forces to resume their operations and take all necessary actions to prevent terrorist attacks and violence in order to restore the terror free and peaceful environment in the Valley.

"The Security Forces are being directed to take all necessary actions as earlier to prevent terrorists from launching attacks and indulging in violence and killings. The Government will continue with its endeavour to create an environment free of terror and violence in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Singh also appealed all the peace-loving people of Jammu and Kashmir to join hands and isolate terrorists and motivate misguided youth to bring them back to the mainstream.

"It is important that all sections of peace-loving people come together to isolate the terrorists and motivate those who have been misguided to return to the path of peace," he added.

On request of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, the Government of India had decided to suspend the anti-terror operations in the Valley, which often result in the death of civilians, during the holy month of Ramzan.