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 operation.
It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror, says Centre in a statement. The government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties, the statement read.
Earlier this month, after an all-party meeting, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had appealed 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.
Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the Centre’s decision and said that the decision will help in “creating a peaceful and amicable environment for a sustainable dialogue”.
I wholeheartedly welcome the Ramadan ceasefire & would like to thank @narendramodi ji & @rajnathsingh 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. 1/2
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 16, 2018
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.
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.
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