Suspension of operations by security forces likely to continue in J&K after Ramzan: Sources

Welcoming the ceasefire decision, J&K Mehbooba Mufti had said, "I wholeheartedly welcome the Ramadan ceasefire and would like to thank PM and Home Minister for their personal intervention."

Srinagar: Suspension of anti-terror operations by security forces in Jammu in Kashmir is likely to continue after Ramzan. The Ministry of Home Affairs had on May 16, 2018, asked security forces not to launch operations in J&K during the holy month of Ramzan. The ministry had said that the decision had been taken to help the "peace-loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment". The Centre had also said that the security forces reserved "the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people".

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.

— HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018

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. — 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. — HMO India (@HMOIndia) May 16, 2018

As per Zee Media sources, the government has received feedback that the move has got a positive response in the Kashmir Valley. However, in the wake of the ceasefire, there has been an increase in firing and shelling by Pakistan along the border, which does not want the move to be successful in the state. Security forces have been retaliating with full force and as per BSF reports, Pakistan has had to suffer three times more than India. The para-military force is said to have been sending daily reports of the operations at the border to the Home Ministry. 

Meanwhile, there was a lull in firing along the border on Thursday after nine days of intense shelling by Pakistani troops that has left 11 people dead and 60 others injured. "There was no firing and shelling from the Pakistan side today. There is a lull", a senior BSF officer told PTI. But, there was overnight firing and shelling by the Pakistan Army in Lam and Nowshera sectors of Rajouri district, in which one civilian suffered injury, a district official said.

Five civilians including a 10-year-old boy were killed and 14 others were injured as Pakistani troops rained mortars and opened heavy fire on Indian villages and posts along the International Border (IB) and LoC in Jammu, Kathua, Samba and Rajouri districts of Jammu region on Wednesday.

Shelled by Pakistan troops, the bustling Arnia border town and nearly 120 border hamlets along the Indo-Pak border now wear an empty look, with over one lakh villagers abandoning their homes to escape heavy shelling of mortar bombs.

On the other hand, Director General of J&K Police SP Vaid had on May 20, 2018, expressed hope that the Centre's decision to halt anti-terror operations in the state during Ramzan would have a positive impact on everyone. "I hope this (unilateral ceasefire) initiative of the government of India will have a positive effect on everyone including the forces that are sponsoring terrorism," the DGP had told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar. 

"This initiative has been taken in the holy month of Ramzan and (Amarnath) yatra is also as auspicious as Ramzan. I am sure it will pass off peacefully," he had added. Vaid had further said that the holy month of Ramzan is for everyone. "I think Pakistan should also observe it (by giving up violence)," he had said.

(With PTI inputs)