Home Minister Rajnath Singh clarified on Tuesday that the controversial decision taken by the government with respect to terrorists in Kashmir was not a ceasefire but ‘suspension of operation’ due to Ramzan.
It wasn’t ceasefire, but suspension of operation in view of Ramzan. But it was clearly said that we’ll resume operation if any terror activity takes place. We haven’t tied hands of our security forces. Our forces killed 5 terrorists when an attack took place: HM Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/xcR61Fv7gF
— ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2018
Last week, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat hinted at an extension of the suspension of combat operations if an atmosphere of peace prevailed in the state. However, he asserted that any terrorist activity would force the government to rethink such a decision. Rajnath Singh has also stated recently that the government is ready for talks with Hurriyat if the separatists agreed to it. “I have already said that we are ready for dialogue with all stakeholders in Kashmir. If Hurriyat comes forward for talks, we don’t mind talking to them. Whoever wants to talk with us, we are ready for talks,” he said.
The government’s decision to suspend operations in view of Ramzan came as a shock to many, especially because thus far, it has appeared to be ruthless in dealing with terrorists in Kashmir. Last year alone, the security forces eliminated over a hundred terrorists in Kashmir. Even after suspension of operations, the Indian A’Itrmy recovered heavy arms and modern weaponry from terrorists slain along the LoC in Kashmir.
