NEW DELHI: The Centre on Wednesday announced a conditional ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan and asked the security forces not to launch operations.
Earlier this month, after an all-party meeting, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had appealed to the central government to consider a unilateral ceasefire in the state starting from Ramzan in mid-May till the completion of the Amarnath yatra in August.
She had said that a ceasefire would provide relief to the people and help create a better atmosphere in the state.
The valley has witnessed the killing of over 55 militants including at least 27 locals this year.
Announcing conditional ceasefire, the Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the security forces to reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people.
A group of citizens, including former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha and former Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah, had also extended support to Mufti’s call for a unilateral ceasefire till completion of the Amarnath Yatra.
However, BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit had opposed the unilateral ceasefire demand.
The party’s state unit had said militants were demoralized due to Army action and a unilateral ceasefire would ease pressure and allow them to re-energize.
