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Andalib Akhter /New Delhi
In a major development the government of India today asked security forces not to launch operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has conveyed the central government’s decision to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today.
The decision, seen as a good gesture of government might help in bringing peace in the valley which has witnessed large scale violence in recent times.
The central government’s decision is to help the peace loving people to observe Ramzan 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.
A scene of Ramazan
“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 Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties, the spokesperson said.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has welcomed the centre decision. In a tweet shae said:” 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. 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.”
A group of citizens, including former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha and former Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah, had recently extended support to Mufti’s call for a unilateral ceasefire till completion of the Amarnath Yatra.
The holy moth of Ramzan is likely to start tomorrow or Friday depending on the sighting of moon.