Separatists on Thursday, 17 May, termed the Centre's announcement to cease anti-terror operations by security forces in Jammu & Kashmir during Ramzan and reserving the right to retaliate if attacked, a ‘cruel joke’.
Operation Halt is a cruel joke with the freedom-loving people of Kashmir, who are engaged in a legitimate movement for right to self-determinationThe separatists said in a statement.
The JRL – comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik – issued the statement after a meeting of the separatists who also called for a shutdown on Saturday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state.
J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had appealed the Centre for a unilateral ceasefire during Ramzan after the killing of a Chennai tourist last week in stone pelting.
The decision has been taken to help the “peace-loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment,” a Home Ministry spokesperson said.
Centre’s decision is similar to the Non Initiation of Combat Operations (NICO) announced by the first NDA government, headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, during Ramzan in 2000.
Mehbooba Mufti and opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on 16 May welcomed the Centre's decision to cease security operations in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan.
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