Centre orders ceasefire in J&K for holy month of Ramzan
What's the story
In a surprise announcement, the Union government has ordered security forces in Jammu & Kashmir to halt operations for 30 days for the holy month of Ramzan which starts later this week. The announcement of this unilateral ceasefire with terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir was made by Home Minister Rajnath Singh in a series of tweets. Here's more.
Twitter Post
Rajnath Singh announces the unilateral ceasefire
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.
— HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018
HM Shri @rajnathsingh has informed the Chief Minister, JK of Centre’s decision.
Ceasefire proposal
J&K CM Mufti had proposed the unilateral ceasefire
Earlier this month, J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti had urged the Union government to consider a unilateral ceasefire starting from Ramzan in mid-May till the completion of the Amarnath yatra in the month of August. It seems like the Centre has partially agreed to Mufti's proposal. However, security forces reserve the right to retaliate if attacked, and take action to protect civilian lives.
Quote
Mufti's appeal for a ceasefire like that during Vajpayee's time
"Everyone (all parties) agreed that we should appeal to the Centre to consider a ceasefire like the unilateral ceasefire in (former PM Atal Bihari) Vajpayee's time in Ramzan (later this month) till Amarnath yatra and Eid," Mufti had said earlier this month.