New Delhi: Security forces will resume offensive operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Home Ministry announced on Sunday.
The government of India has decided not to extend the suspension of operations in Jammu and Kashmir against terrorists that it had announced in the beginning of Ramzan, a statement issued by the ministry said. The announcement comes days after senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Srinagar. The police in the state are treating the killing as an act of terror executed by the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba.
The central government had on May 16 decided that security forces will not conduct offensive operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan.
In a series of tweets, Union home minister Rajnath Singh explained the rationale behind the decision and said the government is committed to working for creating an environment free of terror and violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Government commends the role of Security Forces for having implemented the decision in letter and spirit in the face of grave provocation, to enable the Muslim brothers and sisters to observe Ramzan in a peaceful manner.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 17, 2018
It was expected that everyone will cooperate in ensuring the success of this initiative. While the Security Forces have displayed exemplary restraint during this period, the terrorists have continued with their attacks, on civilians and SFs, resulting in deaths and injuries.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 17, 2018
The Government will continue with its endeavour to create an environment free of terror and violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 17, 2018
In his last tweet, Singh said “It is important that all sections of peace-loving people come together to isolate the terrorists and motivate those who have been misguided to return to the path of peace”.
The Kashmir Valley has witnessed the killing of over 55 militants and the death of 27 civilians this year.
The situation in Kashmir is considered to be turbulent as nearly 80 incidents of violence occurred there in the last four months.
On Sunday, militants fired at a security forces party at Lasjan on the outskirts of Srinagar, injuring a CRPF jawan.
The ceasefire was meant to cover only offensive operations, with the security forces free to retaliate if fired upon.
(With PTI inputs)