Centre announces ceasefire in J&K

New Delhi : The central government on Wednesday announced a ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramadan, saying this was necessary to help “peace loving Muslims” observe the holy month in a peaceful environment.

The Centre asks Security Forces not to launch operations in Jammu & Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan. Decision taken to help the peace loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment.
HM Shri @rajnathsingh has informed the Chief Minister, J&K of Centre’s decision.

— गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018

A Home Ministry statement said that security forces had been told not to launch operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month.

The decision was taken “to help the peace loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment”, it said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed the decision to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who had made an appeal for a Ramadan ceasefire in the state on May 9.

But the statement said that security forces would reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if it was essential to protect the lives of innocent people.

Security Forces to reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people.
Government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers & sisters to observe Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties.

— गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018

“Government expects everyone to cooperate in this initiative and help the Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Ramzan peacefully and without any difficulties.

It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror.

— गृहमंत्री कार्यालय, HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018

“It is important to isolate the forces that bring a bad name to Islam by resorting to mindless violence and terror,” it said.

Updated on: May 16, 2018 at 16:43 IST

IANS